Senior Research Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company’s unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient datacenters and scalability, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors.

Join Us at the Forefront of Quantum Computing Innovation ????

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist with a strong scientific background in quantum computing, quantum photonics, or a closely related field to contribute to and lead advanced research activities in the United States.

This role will focus on driving scientific excellence, developing innovative concepts, and translating research ideas into experimental, theoretical, or computational results that support Quandela’s technology roadmap. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across quantum physics, integrated photonics, electronics, algorithms, software, and engineering.

The Senior Research Scientist will play a key role in advancing Quandela’s research agenda, contributing to strategic research programs, supporting technical roadmaps, mentoring junior scientists, and strengthening collaborations with academic, government, and industrial partners.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Research & Innovation

• Conduct high-level research in quantum computing, quantum photonics, quantum information science, or related areas.
• Develop novel scientific concepts, models, methods, and experimental or computational approaches aligned with Quandela’s technology strategy.
• Contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of quantum computing architectures, photonic quantum systems, components, algorithms, or enabling technologies.
• Translate scientific advances into tangible research outputs, including prototypes, demonstrators, technical reports, publications, patents, and internal know-how.
• Stay at the forefront of advances in quantum computing, integrated photonics, quantum hardware, and hardware/software architectures.
• Identify emerging scientific opportunities and contribute insights to guide long-term research directions.

Technical Leadership

• Provide scientific leadership within multidisciplinary R&D projects involving quantum physics, photonics, electronics, algorithms, and software engineering.
• Define and refine research objectives, technical milestones, and scientific work plans in collaboration with research leads, engineers, and program stakeholders.
• Support the transition from research concepts to proof-of-concept demonstrations, prototypes, and validation milestones.
• Contribute to technical roadmap development and ensure research activities remain aligned with company objectives and project deliverables.
• Review scientific results, challenge assumptions, and ensure rigorous research methodology and high-quality technical execution.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work closely with internal R&D teams to support project execution and milestone-driven progress.
• Contribute scientific content to research proposals, technical reports, program reviews, and stakeholder presentations.
• Support interactions with funding institutions, government agencies, universities, national laboratories, and industrial partners.
• Participate in collaborative research programs and help coordinate scientific contributions across internal and external teams.
• Represent Quandela at conferences, workshops, consortium meetings, and scientific events.

Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns.
• Contribute to building a culture of scientific excellence, rigor, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Share expertise through internal seminars, technical reviews, documentation, and scientific discussions.
• Help establish research best practices, technical standards, and collaborative working methods within a growing U.S. R&D environment.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

• PhD in physics, quantum information science, quantum technologies, photonics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• Typically 7–10+ years of relevant research experience in quantum computing, quantum optics, photonics, or advanced quantum technologies.
• Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality scientific results.
• Deep understanding of at least one of the following areas:
• Quantum information science
• Photonic quantum computing
• Integrated photonics
• Quantum optics
• Quantum algorithms
• Quantum hardware architectures
• Quantum error correction or fault-tolerant computing
• Experience contributing to complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects.
• Ability to connect scientific vision with practical technical execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, project managers, executives, and external partners.
• Experience with government-funded research projects, technical reporting, or defense-related R&D programs is an asset.
• Familiarity with intellectual property generation, patents, or technology transfer is desirable.
• Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens to meet government program and security requirements.

Benefits

• The opportunity to lead strategic national programs at the forefront of quantum technologies
• A collaborative, innovative environment bridging cutting-edge science and industrial applications,
• Competitive compensation package, including relocation support if required.
• The chance to shape the future of quantum computing with one of the leading players in the field
  

At Quandela, we believe that the strength of our team is the plurality of experiences, perspectives, and journeys. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.