NSA is home to the largest, most established in-house research organization in the US Intelligence Community, employing scientists with world-class skills in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. We collaborate with leading companies, universities, and national laboratories to leverage work in overlapping disciplines, advance core capabilities, and seek out and develop revolutionary ideas that will provide our nation with an overwhelming advantage. At the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS), you will have incredible opportunities to work on investigating and designing large-scale high performance computing systems, focusing on computer architectures, processing/memory subsystems, and transform computing beyond Moore's Law. You will function or operate in a fast-paced team environment alongside an integrated product team of multi-disciplinary physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and systems architects, to improve and develop cryogenic engineering processes; direct the design, fabrication, implementation, and commissioning of vacuum cryostats, magnets, and other experimental cryogenic systems; and develop innovative solutions to improve and extend cryogenic engineering activities and advanced processing solutions. As a Physicist and member of the team that creates and manages LPS's cutting edge quantum computing research programs, you will push the frontiers of science by leveraging your expertise, ideas, and vision to: * Manage and evaluate technical programs; * Assist with research challenges to enhance national security; * Bring together and interact closely with world-leading scientists in quantum computing across governments, industry, and academia to understand the latest state-of-the-art research and to help identify future research gaps and needs; * Develop ideas into actionable research strategies and programs; * Collaborate with leading scientists in quantum computing across the US Government, industry, and academia to contribute to a comprehensive 'whole-of-nation' approach to quantum information science; * Partner with LPS research staff to publish results; * Attend conferences, workshops and government meetings to identify future areas of investment; and * Advance US leadership in quantum information science for the benefit of the people of the United States.Skills Required Skills: The ideal candidate has excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and possesses a range of knowledge and experience with at least two of: * Physical constraints on quantum systems, including the impact of noise and other error sources; * A strong understanding of low temperature physics and cryogenic systems; * Experience with qubits built on a superconducting or semiconducting platform; * Quantum characterization (eg, randomized benchmarking, tomographic methods, etc.). * Leadership of a small, highly technical team.The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree must be in professional Engineering, Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or a relevant professional technical field (eg chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology). For all of the above degrees, if program is not ABET EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework. Specified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics. Relevant experience must be performing professional engineering or physical sciences work and/or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (eg, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences). Experience on polymath projects (requiring multiple skills), technical publications, patent applications, and teaching are preferred. FULL PERFORMANCE With a degree in professional Engineering, entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. With a degree in Physics or Astronomy or a relevant professional technical field entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's or Doctoral degree plus 1 year of relevant experience. SENIOR Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 3 years of relevant experience. Degree must be in professional Engineering, Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field. EXPERT Entry is a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience. Degree must be in professional Engineering, Physics or Astronomy, or a relevant professional technical field.Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary ranges vary by location and work level. This position is hiring for Maryland. Salary Range: $86,389 - $176,300 (Full Performance, Senior, Expert) Advancement: Cross-organizational mentoring is highly encouraged and readily available for all employees. Training is available through: continuing education classes provided by our internal school, vendor training, and a variety of tuition assistance programs. You can also take advantage of work assignment or travel opportunities, both stateside and abroad, or direct engagements with other Intelligence Community agencies. Work/Life Balance: As Federal employees, job security is unmatched. In addition, our employees enjoy: relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, free onsite fitness centers at many locations, available paid personal fitness time within your normal work schedule, flexible health and life insurance, Federal retirement pension, matching employee retirement contributions to the Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for up to 5% of salary, and competitive pay. Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 hrs (flexible).U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. Due to time sensitive communications regarding your application, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from . Please review the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet the described qualifications and are aware of all associated requirements. To apply for this position, please click the 'Apply' button located at the top right of this posting. After completing the application for the first time, or reviewing previously entered information, and clicking the 'Submit' button, you will receive a confirmation email. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as job postings could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants, or the position is no longer available. You may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the application screening process and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to showcase within your resume those experiences relevant to this position. Failure to provide the required information or providing inaccurate information will result in your application not being considered for this position. Only those applicants who meet all position qualifications, may be contacted to begin employment processing. Please remain diligent in monitoring email and your SPAM folder. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. Please visit our Diversity link for more information. This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 USC 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.