Principal Technologist

Description ARA has a vision to build a thriving business line providing quantum technology based solutions to critical problems of national interest, generating $50MUSD in revenue by the end of Fiscal Year 2029. To design, develop and deploy a strategy to achieve this vision, ARA is seeking an energetic, experienced and effective Principal Technologist to advance our agenda and build solutions to critical problems of national importance in quantum computation and sensing. The successful candidate will have domain experience in one of the following fields – Quantum Algorithms development and implementation, Quantum Hardware design, Quantum Sensing, Numerical Optimization, Uncertainty Quantification, and/or Numerical Analysis. The candidate will also have a demonstrated history of successful business development, technology leadership and/or R&D in these areas – along a proven track-record of successful project delivery for DoD and/or commercial customers. Additional experience in the area of AI/ML technologies for M&S is strongly preferred. This position can be based out of one of several ARA office locations in Ohio, Alabama, New Mexico, Virginia or North Carolina. Preference will be given to those near one of the ARA division office locations. The ideal candidate will lead both solution and business development in the general domain of Quantum Computing and related technologies. The candidate will build out the ARA portfolio of technology solutions in the areas of quantum computing and quantum sensing applications. They will lead ARA’s quantum computation and sensing development and deployment by establishing goals and outcomes and developing (including hiring) talent where necessary. They will lead new customer acquisition by coupling ARA’s skills and technology with their deep knowledge of and customer intimacy in the domains of quantum computation and sensing. They will serve as the internal SME for multiple technology areas and provide key technical contributions that advance ARA’s portfolio of offerings. The candidate will have a day-1 plan for building out new business opportunities and will have their hand on the pulse of the key strategic concerns and problems faced by the DoD that can be effectively and efficiently solved through using developments in Quantum Technology. What you’ll do as Principal Technologist – Quantum Technology> Establish and grow the business areas of Quantum Sensing and/or Quantum Inspired Algorithms to solve large and complex problems of national interest. Participate and lead proposals, RFIs, RFPs and aggressively lead the charge in business development. Develop and deploy a growth strategy in the aeras of system design, algorithm design and hardware design for M&S applications, and quantum sensing. Lead the charge to build and execute a 5 year plan resulting in a quantum technology portfolio within ARA with a revenue goal of over 50MUSD/yr by FY29. Work with a unique group of highly skilled and experienced mathematicians, physicists, RF/antennas engineers, and computer scientists to solve complex, large-scale problems in a quickly growing, highly innovative field. Requirements for a Principal Technologist – Quantum Technology: A Ph.D. in Physics, Mathematics and/or Engineering with a focus on quantum computing or quantum algorithms for signal processing, data processing and/or information systems. A minimum of 15 years’ combined experience in the development of technologies and solutions for quantum technology applications A minimum of 3 years of successful business development within the quantum technology or related spaces. A minimum of 3 years of experience in developing and executing business strategy for DoD and/or other Government customers. Demonstrable deep domain expertise in at least one of the following fields: Quantum Algorithms design, Quantum Hardware design, Quantum Optimization and/or Quantum Optimization. Excellent verbal and written communication skills: ability to clearly articulate progress or tasks in technical reports and develop technical presentations. Requires little supervision in developing a milestone schedule or work plan to achieve the final task objectives in a timely manner. Travel as needed (up to 40%) Preferences for a Principal Technologist – Quantum Technology: Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility Knowledge of problems and solutions for Electromagnetic Warfare Applications Experience with building solutions that leverage AI/ML technologies. Working knowledge of computational technologies and techniques – including but not limited to EW wargaming M&S, Quantum Computing, Computational Electromagnetics, CFD, Computational Mechanics etc. COMPANY INFORMATION: Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics. At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com . Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Principal Technologist – Quantum Technology, position, Job Code: PRINC008379. Qualifications Behaviors Required Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them Team Player: Works well as a member of a group Preferred Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking Motivations Required Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help Preferred Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility Education Preferred Doctor of Philosophy or better in Physics Experience Required 5 years: Business development experience within the EW or related spaces. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)