Modeling and Simulation Researcher / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Experienced to Expert Level (Maryland)

The NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) has been advancing physical sciences research in future information technologies since 1956. LPS is a partnership between NSA and the University of Maryland. The focus of researchers at LPS is the physics and engineering behind information science and technology, including advanced communication, sensing, and computing technologies.
Within LPS is the office of Solid State and Quantum Physics, where we elucidate the fundamental behavior of quantum devices and related technologies by working across the US Government to drive world-class research at universities, companies, and national labs. This advancement is made by developing modeling and simulation tools to explore and assess new ideas discovered by LPS and others. Our goal is to identify and answer challenging scientific questions in order to provide meaningful advice on the feasibility of and challenges confronting quantum computing. Our customers include the NSA, the Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense, and the broader U.S. Government. LPS also plays a leading role in policy-making through engagements across Government.
LPS is seeking a diverse set of scientists with experience in modeling and simulation, who are driven to push the frontiers of science. Our researchers work in a fast-paced team environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in quantum and cryogenic devices to advance the state-of-the-art in communication, sensing, and computer technologies.
LPS is excited to leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision as a Modeling and Simulation Researcher. You will lead research in modeling and simulation of quantum information systems and devices, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various arrangements of quantum systems that can provide advantage over classical alternatives for computation and sensing.
A successful candidate should have excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, and possess a range of knowledge and experience in at least two of the following areas:
- Several layers of a quantum information system hierarchy, with an emphasis on logical functionality (e.g., fault tolerant methods, sensor network design, quantum algorithm development in the circuit model paradigm, etc.);
- Physical constraints on quantum systems, including the impact of noise and other error sources;
- Modeling and/or simulation to include ab initio software development, as well as the ability to leverage existing software, using languages such as Python and C++;
- Quantum characterization (e.g., randomized benchmarking, tomographic methods, etc.).
- Modeling and simulation of physical systems and familiarity with numerical techniques, domain decomposition, Monte Carlo simulation, and statistical analysis

The NSA invites you to be part of an elite team that's making a global impact by researching and developing revolutionary ideas. As a Modeling and Simulation Researcher at NSA, your creativity and that of your team is essential to investigating and implementing effective technical solutions for our Nation. Your efforts will drive global impacts by providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence. You can learn more about LPS and its mission by visiting https://www.lps.umd.edu.

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).
For Engineering 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 in one or more of the following: performing engineering or physical sciences work, or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (for example, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences).
FULL PERFORMANCE
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.
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.
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.

You are someone who has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a desire to guide and influence a broad research community, thrives on solving 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: 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 Range: $102,477 - $191,900 (Full Performance, Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. This position is hiring for Maryland.
On the job training, internal NSA courses, and external training will be made available based on the need and experience of the selectee.
Benefits: NSA offers excellent benefits to include relocation assistance, flexible work schedules, generous leave programs, paid personal fitness time, training and continuing education classes, health and life insurance, Federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Federal retirement plan.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).

Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. NSA is also committed to the promotion of diversity within its workforce. 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. 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 https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/diversity-and-inclusion.

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. 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.