Quantum Information Research Scientist

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Quantum Information Research Scientist in our National Security Sector's (NSS) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA).  Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more.  Join us and make a difference in National Security!

The Research Scientist will participate in quantum information science (QIS)-based research being performed in Lawton, Oklahoma. The Scientist will be tasked with participating and potentially leading a technical team located at a Leidos research facility in Lawton. The technical team will be developing a variety of sensing and communications demonstration systems for the customer. In addition to team supervision, the Scientist will also be tasked with participating in R&D along with various program development tasks.   

Responsibilities will include supervising and participation in the building and testing of quantum-based communications and sensing systems along with collaborating with sub-contractor partners at the University of Oklahoma.

• Expertise in optical systems is not required but basic familiarity with optics is preferred.

• The position may require short periods of travel within the US., primarily to other Leidos facilities in DC and Huntsville, AL.  

• Potential employee should be comfortable communicating technical work, both orally and written to subject matter experts and non-technical audiences.

• Familiarity with proposal processes and white paper writing is a plus.

• Good communications skills are vital as the employee will be regularly presenting complex material to non-technical governmental and military audiences.

• Provide regular updates to the group lead in Huntsville, AL.

Required Qualifications:

• Must hold a BS, MS or PhD in physics, optics, quantum information science (QIS), or some related engineering field with 2+ years of expereince.

• Candidate must be proficient with physical quantum mechanical systems used in sensing or communications applications.

• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.

• Applicant must be able to regularly work in/relocate to Lawton, OK.

• Must be a US Citizen

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in an applicable field of quantum physics/QIS, either theoretical or experimental.

• Familiarity with Python, Matlab, Mathematica, LabVIEW, C#, or any optical modeling program.

• Experience in the theory and design of experimental quantum systems for sensing/communications applications.  

• Experience in setting up lab equipment for optical and quantum experiments.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

May 28, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.