Quantum Scientist and Error Correction Specialist
The Opportunity:

As a Quantum Error Correction (QEC) Scientist, you will help shape the architecture of novel quantum computing architectures. You'll collaborate closely with theoretical and experimental physicists, engineers, and cross-disciplinary innovators to design the next generation of fault-tolerant quantum systems. In this role, you will guide the development of QEC concepts and protocols tailored to the selected architecture, optimize resource requirements, and advance the efficiency of error-corrected quantum operations.

Your work will include designing syndrome-extraction strategies, analyzing logical-gate fault-tolerance, developing error mapping approaches, and creating rigorous logical-level verification and validation methodologies. This is your chance to help turn the promise of quantum computing into real-world capability, and to be part of a team helping to redefine what's possible.

What You'll Work On:

• Develop and optimize fault-tolerant protocols compatible under realistic architectural constraints.
• Analyze and improve qubit connectivity in a reconfigurable architecture and exploit transversal and blockwise operations to improve performance and reduce computational time.
• Design logical-gate implementations such as Clifford & non-Clifford and teleportation-based gates in a highly modular architecture.
• Compare magic-state preparation methods, magic-state scheduling, and inventory management.
• Collaborate with atomic and solid-state physicists to determine implementation constraints and resource optimization pathways.
• Map QEC scheduling constraints onto architectural layout, minimizing noisy operations, and reducing QEC's temporal overhead.
• Co-design logical decoder requirements with embedded firmware and control-electronics teams supporting fast, low-latency operations.
• Contribute to the logical-level Verification and Validation (V&V) pipeline.
• Collaborate with modeling and simulation experts to integrate noise models into QEC protocols and determine fault-tolerance requirements and logical-level performance.
• Collaborate with software developers to integrate QEC models and decoders into Booz Allen's quantum software stack.
• Support business development consistent with mission-aligned efforts.
• Mentor junior scientists and coordinate with academic and industry partners

You Have:

• 5+ years of experience in quantum fault-tolerance theory, decoders, and stabilizer formalism
• Experience in simulation tools including Python, Julia, QEC frameworks, and tensor-network libraries
• Experience with peer-reviewed research in quantum error correction
• Ability to collaborate with experimental teams to facilitate physical implementation
• Top Secret clearance
• Doctorate degree Quantum Information Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics

Nice If You Have:

• Experience with noise modeling and designing QEC protocols for hardware-constrained architectures
• Experience with qLDPC codes and corresponding decoders
• Experience with reconfigurable qubit architectures
• Experience with quantum networking, photon-mediated entanglement, and heralding systems
• Experience with quantum characterization, verification, and validation (QCVV) techniques
• Experience facilitating milestone demonstration events

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; Top Secret clearance is required.

Compensation

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $77,600.00 to $176,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

• Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
• Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
• Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.