Technical Leader, Quantum Networking Hardware & Experimental Researcher

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  • Location:
    Santa Monica, California, US
  • Area of Interest
    Engineer - Hardware
  • Compensation Range
    146000 USD - 205400 USD
  • Job Type
    Professional
  • Technology Interest
    Networking, Software Development
  • Job Id
    1443666
The application window is expected to close on: 7/11/2025. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.  

Meet the Team 

Welcome to the Cisco Outshift Quantum Team, a dynamic and innovative group at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Our team is dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of quantum technology to revolutionize the future of networking and communications. Comprised of talented scientists, engineers, and visionary thinkers, we collaborate to push the boundaries of what's possible, developing solutions for quantum networking. At Cisco Outshift, we foster an environment of creativity, inclusivity, and continuous learning, where each team member's unique expertise contributes to our collective success.
 
Your Impact 

Cisco Quantum Research is seeking a highly skilled Scientist or Engineer with an experimental background to join our quantum networking hardware engineering and experimentation Team. You will collaborate with a dynamic group of scientists and engineers to develop groundbreaking quantum networking solutions. Your role will involve both scientific research and the prototype development for hardware elements for Cisco's quantum networking technologies and solutions.  Some of your responsibilities will include:
  • Propose novel quantum solutions to address grand challenges in dynamic and scalable quantum entanglement networking.
  • Lead and participate in multiple R&D projects.
  • Develop prototype quantum networking systems and subsystems, conducting both table-top and on-site experiments.
  • Contribute to the development of the continuously expanding Cisco Live quantum network test-bed.
  • Lead use case and application demonstrations untiring the Cisco Quantum network technologies and test-bed.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results, proposing solutions for improvement.
  • Write peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and give presentations at conferences.
  • Contribute to lab and team development.
Minimum Qualifications: 
  • PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
  • At least 1 year of relevant post-PhD research experience in academia or industry.
  • Hands-on experience conducting experimental research with complex quantum systems.
  • Proven understanding of quantum information principles and their applications. 
Preferred Qualifications: 
  • PhD with specialization in experimental quantum systems.
  • Demonstrated understanding and practical experience with quantum networks.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Hands-on experimental research on development of quantum computers or quantum memories.
  • Proficiency in programming languages and algorithm development relevant to quantum technologies.

Why Cisco? 
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint. Simply put – we power the future. 

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.
 


Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings.

Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday (for non-exempt employees), plus a day off for their birthday. Non-Exempt new hires accrue up to 16 days of vacation time off each year, at a rate of 4.92 hours per pay period. Exempt new hires participate in Cisco’s flexible Vacation Time Off policy, which does not place a defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use, but is subject to availability and some business limitations. All new hires are eligible for Sick Time Off subject to Cisco’s Sick Time Off Policy and will have eighty (80) hours of sick time off provided on their hire date and on January 1st of each year thereafter.  Up to 80 hours of unused sick time will be carried forward from one calendar year to the next such that the maximum number of sick time hours an employee may have available is 160 hours. Employees in Illinois have a unique time off program designed specifically with local requirements in mind. All employees also have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

.75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

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