Lead Researcher / Research Engineer – Entry – Experienced Level

Responsibilities
NSA is home to the largest and most established in-house research organizations within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), employing scientists with world-class skills in fields such as mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. We collaborate with leading industries, universities, and national laboratories to advance core competencies, leverage work in overlapping disciplines, and solve some of the most challenging national security problems thought to be intractable by adversaries and commercial industry.

NSA’s Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) offers a unique environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in quantum and cryogenic devices, advanced communication, sensing, and computer technologies. To learn more about LPS, visit: https://www.lps.umd.edu.

LPS has a number of unique positions available where your skills and expertise can make a difference. Each position is described in more detail below, along with desired skills/experience levels. Applicants should include the position title of interest in their cover letter.

Quantum Systems for Sensing and/or Transduction

Lead efforts to expand on fundamental research in quantum systems with potential application in near- or far-field sensing of electromagnetic fields, high-fidelity transduction of qubit modalities or frequencies, and/or integrated photonics/optomechanics.

Demonstrated expertise in novel research explorations for sensing with quantum systems; studies of quantum-controllable optical defects in silicon-related material; methods and techniques for fast quantum measurement and control; nano/optomechanics for quantum transduction between qubit modalities or frequencies; chip-scale photonics in multiple materials; semiconductor epitaxy, lithography, and etching techniques; nonlinear waveguide and nano-photonic design and fabrication; and/or industry/foundry capabilities in photonics and associated materials; and/or classical integrated photonics and opto-mechanics for HPC.

Disruptive Qubits for Quantum Information Science

Lead new fundamental research efforts in the physics of solid-state qubits and enabling technologies. This research area is focused on the design and discovery of electromagnetic systems to enable wireless systems and next-generation sensor technologies; a key area of interest is advancing electromagnetic frontend components from antenna to receiver.

Demonstrated expertise in experimental physics of superconducting-semiconducting quantum systems; new and emerging qubit research, superconducting-semiconductor devices, and fundamental challenges at the intersection of superconducting and semiconducting qubits; nanoscale fabrication background or fast measurement expertise, and semiconductor qubit or superconducting qubit; experimental physics of spin-based qubits; theoretical physics of quantum device modeling and simulation or advanced qubits; and/or quantum device modeling and simulation, particularly computational techniques relevant to semiconductor heterostructure or super-semi interfaces, and/or expertise in the theory of novel qubits in solid-state.

Novel Electromagnetics and RF Technologies

Lead research efforts to discover, understand, and optimize novel electromagnetic and RF technologies. This research area is focused on the design and discovery of electromagnetic systems to enable wireless systems and next-generation sensor technologies; a key area of interest is advancing electromagnetic frontend components from antenna to receiver.

Demonstrated expertise in RF systems design, instrumentation, and characterization; instrumentation such as vector network analyzers (VNAs), spectrum analyzers, power meters, etc.; measurement and characterization techniques such as in-situ tuning or anechoic chamber patterns; development and execution of RF test procedures and analysis; research and development of new antenna structures with a mastery of industry trends and emerging wireless technologies; technical design of RF/microwave and antenna products meeting requested performance specifications, time scales, and cost; employ upfront design principles using computational modeling tools such as HFSS, CST, or ADS to achieve `right first time’ design capability where possible; design, fabrication and evaluation of communications, electromagnetics, and sensor devices that use novel materials such additive manufacturing or unique dielectrics; and/or experience in the design of antennas for various applications such as phased array systems and/or embedded devices.

Integrated Photonics for Beyond Moore’s Computing and HPC

Lead research efforts to discover, understand, and optimize novel photonic devices for HPC. This research area is expected to improve interconnect speed, lower power, or offer greater functionality for memory and logic beyond the paradigms established by Moore’s law.

Demonstrated expertise in novel photonic technologies for non von-Neuman architecture development; design, fabrication and evaluation of integrated photonic devices and circuits for interconnect including those that use novel material systems; logic and memory devices and circuits utilizing novel material systems; integrated photonic modulators, waveguides, and non-linear systems; design and simulation of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) electro-optic and nonlinear optical devices; computer and network architecture; industry/foundry capabilities in interconnect device development and associated materials; photonics and/or electrical simulation software such as Lumerical and HFSS.

Active Devices for Beyond Moore’s / Cryologic

Lead research efforts to discover, understand, and optimize novel devices for HPC. In the ‘Beyond Moore’s Law’ era, the exploration of computing devices operating at very high speed, low-power, or offering greater functionality for memory and logic are critical to the development of future information technologies.

Demonstrated expertise in novel transistor development and impact on traditional and unconventional computer architectures; fast measurement and circuit design; design, fabrication, and evaluation of logic and memory devices operating at cryogenic temperatures; and/or logic and memory devices utilizing novel material systems; active electronic device research complimentary to quantum materials or cryogenic logic; and/or industry/foundry capabilities in transistor-level device development and associated materials.

Advanced Computing Systems

Explore, develop, and transition novel computing ideas and technologies to support future large scale computing systems of importance to NSA missions such as high performance data analytics and cybersecurity.

Demonstrated experience in energy efficient classical computing, including cryogenic technologies and reversible computing; application development and system software to support extremely heterogeneous computing architectures; development and application of novel methods in tensor decomposition, graph analytics, or sparse matrix methods on large scale or novel systems; novel fault tolerance ideas, including probabilistic computing and predictive resilience; development and use of modeling-simulation-emulation tools for architectural explorations that provide fast results with high fidelity and for at scale designs; innovative computer designs and architectures that incorporate new technologies for logic, memory, and interconnect; and/or fundamental and applied research into neuromorphic computing, including advanced system development and evaluation.

Skills
The ideal candidate is someone who has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a desire to guide and influence a broad research community, thrives on solving hard problems, and is able to:

– Apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences, and physical sciences to analyze problems and determine technical solutions
– Work effectively across several different functional areas in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
– Handle and prioritize multiple assignments
– Synthesize information to solve complex problems

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
On-the job training, Internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.

Monday – Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirements between 0600 to 1800 hrs (flexible).

How To Apply – External
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. Please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept emails from (see application details).

***PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. Additionally, the Federal Government requires all personnel to be fully vaccinated at the time of employment, subject to exceptions as required by law.

Reasonable accommodations provided to applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process where appropriate. 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.

This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 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 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.

Please note that you may be asked a series of questions depending on the position you apply for. Your responses will be used as part of the screening process of your application and will assist in determining your eligibility for the position. Be sure to elaborate on experiences in your resume. 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 the qualifications for the position will be contacted to begin employment processing.

Please Note: Job Posting could close earlier than the closing date due to sufficient number of applicants or position no longer available. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

DCIPS Disclaimer
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority.

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