Quantum Network Manager

Department
PME Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE)

Job Summary
The Quantum Network Manager is responsible for launching and supporting the programming and maintenance of the Midwest Quantum Network Facility. This role will include overseeing hardware and software experiments and deployments, and vendors related to quantum networking, as well as working with other technical staff at partnering organizations. The position requires experience and expertise in telecommunications, programming, project management, field deployments, and customer relations. The Quantum Network Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with University, government, and industry security and regulatory protocols. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and collaborates closely with the PME Executive Director of Information Technology.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the launch and maintenance of the Midwest Quantum Network Facility, focusing on reducing optical losses, optimizing network control and applications, integrating control devices, and facilitating the incorporation of new quantum components and protocols through collaboration with academic, government, and industry experts.
• Leads the expansion of the quantum network infrastructure to deploy and integrate additional quantum nodes into the network.
• Represents the Midwest Quantum Network Facility in technical engagements with external stakeholders, including industry partners, federal agencies, and research collaborators.
• Interfaces with central IT and Facilities stakeholders to ensure the quantum network infrastructure meets University and Midwest Quantum Network Facility strategic goals.
• Collaborates with CQE to distill complex technical milestones into actionable narratives for executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.
• Collaborates with technical staff at partnering organizations to develop secure quantum networking technologies, including U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University.
• Deploys quantum networking and related technologies, such as low-loss, fiber-based quantum repeaters, quantum-classical hybrid systems, and optimize fiber infrastructure for secure data transmission.
• Implements fiber-optic links for quantum entanglement distribution and quantum communication networks. Deploys hardware to interface qubits with optical fibers, such as high-efficiency single-photon sources and detectors.
• Reports on site readiness, risk analysis, and strategic planning to senior leadership.
• Broadens the scope of the Midwest Quantum Network Facility by investigating long-range connections to other regional and national quantum networks.
• Provides support to maintain the operation and service levels of quantum networking systems.
• Clearly communicates and presents technical information to both technical team members and employees who may not be familiar with quantum networking terminology.
• Solves complex problems relating to the consulting services of vendors, including the development of project statements of work and determining vendor resource requirements.
• Leads the development, design, and implementation of a Networking Services and Information Technologies (NSIT) network. Creates project plans for network design, implementation, and upgrades/modifications to existing networks.
• Manages the installation of network hardware, communications wiring, wireless telecommunication facilities, communications software, and other network components. Identifies problems with network components and services. Conducts trending and analysis of network traffic patterns and makes recommendations.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering, quantum engineering, physics, computer science, or related technical field.

Experience:

• 7 + years of progressive experience with classical or quantum networks, including network timing, optical switching, and synchronization.

Certifications:

• Industry certifications related to specific technical areas.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of optical fiber propagation, photonics, and dealing with fiber losses.
• Familiarity with quantum mechanics, entanglement, quantum memories, and/or QKD protocols.
• Proficient in computer programming (Python, Visual Studio C/C++, etc.).
• Proficient skills in security implementation around various compliance regulations and risk management.
• Proficient skills in routing, switching, firewalls, and protocols skills.
• Complex quantum network issues resolution skills.
• Proficient quantum networking, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and time management skills.
• Detail-oriented with a critical degree of accuracy used to manage complex systems.
• A self-starter, able to work assigned tasks with minimal direction, and think independently.
• Critically assess the results of tasks and directed checks to ensure successful outcomes.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Professional References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Information Technology

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$130,000.00 - $155,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.