Experimental Quantum Physicist

Job Description

Job Description

As our team is bidding on a new effort, Metrics LLC is looking for an Experimental Quantum Physicist to lead hands‐on quantum networking research embedded with the quantum communications teams at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. This position will work shoulder‐to‐shoulder with NIST scientists building the measurement science behind next‐generation quantum networks.

We see this as a builder's role. The position will support the stand up a quantum engineering laboratory from the ground up, develop entangled photon sources, and engineer ultra‐stable lasers for phase‐sensitive protocols — then publish and present what what is discovered.

Anticipated Tasks

- Build a lab. Plan research initiatives, design the foundational infrastructure for a new Quantum Engineering Laboratory, specify and justify instruments, and set up quantum devices for network‐metrology experiments connected to the PQNI and DC‐QNet testbeds.

- Develop entangled photon sources. Create indistinguishable polarization‐entangled sources for entanglement swapping; optimize pulse width and spectral performance; run two‐photon interference measurements and characterize visibility/indistinguishability.

- Engineer ultra‐stable lasers. Develop miniature 1550 nm ultra‐stable lasers locked to NIST‐designed rugged cavities; measure and improve phase noise, spectral width, and coherence length for phase‐sensitive communication protocols.

- Share the science. Publish results in peer‐reviewed journals, present at conferences, and deliver a weekly one‐hour class ("information in a photon") to mentor junior staff.

- Own execution. Maintain project records, deliver clear monthly progress reports, and produce schematics, characterization documents, and measurement results on schedule.

Required Education/Experience

- PhD in Quantum Physics (or directly equivalent — quantum optics / quantum information experimental physics).

- 8+ years conducting hands‐on quantum experiments.

- 8+ years independently designing, implementing, and testing complete quantum systems end‐to‐end.

- 5+ years working with quantum apparatus for phase characterization and stabilization (e.g., laser/cavity locking, phase‐noise measurement, stabilization loops).

- 5+ years developing quantum hardware for experiments.

What Makes You Stand Out (Preferred)

- Direct experience with entanglement swapping and two‐photon (Hong‐Ou‐Mandel) interference .

- Work with polarization‐entangled photon sources (e.g., SPDC) and indistinguishability optimization.

- Development of cavity‐stabilized / ultra‐stable lasers at telecom wavelengths (1550 nm); PDH locking; phase‐noise metrology.

- Familiarity with quantum network testbeds (PQNI, DC‐QNet, or comparable).

- A strong peer‐reviewed publication and conference record in quantum optics or quantum networking.

- Experience building a lab from scratch — instrument selection, procurement justification, setup, and lab safety.

- A talent for mentoring and teaching early‐career scientists.

Providing quality government consulting in today's resource constrained environment, Metrics LLC balances proven best practices with innovative approaches. Our result: Highly effective outcomes and highly competitive solutions. For more information, go to -llc.com/home.html

Company Description

Providing quality government consulting in today's resource constrained environment, Metrics LLC balances proven best practices with innovative approaches. Our result: Highly effective outcomes and highly competitive solutions. For more information, go to