Quantum Research Scientist

Based in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, Pivot Path Solutions, LLC, is a government contracting and business solutions firm that offers enterprise IT solutions, strategic and acquisition planning, organizational development, and research and development analytics services to help customers adapt and thrive in changing market conditions. Pivot Path is seeking a highly accomplished Quantum Networking Research Scientist to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Quantum Communications Division in advancing next-generation quantum networking technologies and measurement science. The successful candidate will lead research and development efforts focused on quantum network metrology, entanglement swapping, ultra-stable laser systems, and phase-sensitive quantum communication protocols. This is an onsite position at NIST Gaithersburg campus.

Key Responsibilities
Quantum Engineering Laboratory Development

• Develop and establish a quantum engineering laboratory for network metrology experiments.
• Design foundational laboratory infrastructure and experimental environments.
• Evaluate and recommend specialized quantum instruments, photonics equipment, and measurement systems.
• Configure and integrate quantum hardware and instrumentation.
• Support experimentation involving quantum networking testbeds, including PQNI and DC-QNet environments.
• Develop research plans and technical roadmaps for emerging quantum networking initiatives.

Entanglement Swapping and Quantum Source Development

• Design and develop polarization-entangled photon sources for quantum networking applications.
• Optimize pulse width, spectral characteristics, and source stability to achieve indistinguishable photon generation.
• Conduct two-photon interference experiments and evaluate visibility metrics.
• Analyze experimental results and recommend improvements to quantum source performance.

Ultra-Stable Laser Development

• Design and develop miniature ultra-stable laser systems operating at 1550 nm.
• Stabilize laser systems using precision optical cavities and frequency-locking techniques.
• Measure and evaluate:
  • Phase noise
  • Spectral linewidth
  • Frequency stability
  • Coherence length
• Improve laser performance to support phase-sensitive quantum communication protocols.

Research Collaboration and Technical Leadership

• Collaborate with NIST scientists and external research partners.
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical instruction on quantum networking concepts.
• Deliver technical presentations at conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings.
• Prepare scientific publications and contribute to peer-reviewed journals.
• Document experimental designs, laboratory configurations, measurement results, and research findings.

Reporting and Deliverables

• Prepare monthly technical progress reports.
• Develop laboratory setup documentation, equipment lists, and network connectivity diagrams.
• Produce experimental schematics and source characterization reports.
• Deliver laser performance analyses and measurement results.
• Support government reviews and technical evaluations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Quantum Physics, Quantum Engineering, Photonics, Optical Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience conducting advanced quantum experiments.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience designing, implementing, and testing quantum systems.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working with quantum apparatus for phase characterization, stabilization, and control.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience developing quantum hardware and experimental platforms.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantum optics, photonics, and quantum networking architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • Quantum networking testbeds
  • Entanglement distribution systems
  • Quantum repeaters
  • Quantum key distribution (QKD)
  • Optical cavity stabilization
  • Single-photon detectors
  • Superconducting or photonic quantum platforms
• Strong publication record in quantum communications, quantum networking, or quantum metrology.
• Experience presenting research at international conferences and standards organizations.
• Familiarity with telecommunications wavelength systems (1550 nm).

What We Offer:
Pivot Path Solutions strives to attract, motivate, and retain the best people in the industry. Our benefits package reflects our continued commitment to our employees by prioritizing the health and well-being of each member. The Company offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous Contribution on Health, Dental and Vision Insurances
• 100% Employer Paid Group Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Safe Harbor 401(K) Plan
• Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Healthcare Flexible Saving Account (FSA) and Dependent Care FSA
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

U.S. Citizenship is required, and all selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation. This includes meeting the eligibility requirements for access to classified information and the ability to obtain government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to background investigation including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.