Lead Quantum Scientist (QEC)

Location: College Park, Maryland, US; hybrid work with travel within the US and occasional travel to the UK.

Salary: $145,000–$240,000 per year, depending on experience.

Company

hirify.global develops quantum error correction technology and software to help enable fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computing.

What you will do

• Lead the technical delivery of government-funded quantum error correction research programs, including milestones, deliverables, and technical reporting.
• Serve as the senior technical interface for government agencies, national laboratories, research institutions, and quantum hardware partners.
• Design, conduct, and analyze quantum computing experiments across varied qubit architectures using DeltaKit software and tools.
• Investigate experimental results, diagnose issues, and collaborate with research, engineering, and product teams on solutions.
• Contribute to competitive funding proposals, publish research, and present results at journals, conferences, and technical forums.
• Build relationships in Maryland’s quantum research ecosystem, mentor researchers, and help develop a small research group.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Substantial research experience in quantum computing and experience owning technical projects or workstreams through agreed milestones.
• Experience designing, running, and analyzing experiments or simulations using research-grade tools.
• Experience working with external stakeholders; government agencies, national laboratories, or research consortia experience is relevant.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to varied audiences.
• Must be able to obtain a US government security clearance if required.

Nice to have

• Experience as a named investigator or technical lead on government-funded research programs.
• Expertise in fault-tolerant architectures, decoding algorithms, noise characterization, or system-level performance analysis.
• Experience integrating quantum or HPC research with real hardware, simulators, or large-scale testbeds.
• Experience securing external funding, working with multiple qubit architectures, or mentoring early-career researchers.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary environment spanning software and hardware development, quantum information theory, physics, and mathematics.
• Annual bonus plan, private medical insurance, life insurance, 401(k) contributions, and equity.
• Generous paid time off and enhanced family leave.
• Learning events, training opportunities, and conference budgets.

Hiring process

• Submit a resume and covering letter explaining the motivation for applying and relevant skills and experience.
• Applications are reviewed as received, with interviews scheduled for suitable applicants.