Scientist V

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Computational Physicist within the Energy Group focusing on software development, signal processing, and AI applications for quantum sensor systems.

The successful candidate will become a member of the Development Team supporting quantum technology software development, signal processing algorithms, and AI/machine learning applications for quantum sensors. This role emphasizes computational expertise in physics-based modeling, data analysis, and algorithm development to support PNT applications such as navigation, high resolution magnetic and gravitational anomaly mapping, under-surface structure identification and resource exploration, using quantum magnetometers and gravimeters.  It can also include commercialization effort related to other types of quantum sensors such as cryogenic superconducting single photon detectors (Transition Edge Sensors, MKID, SQUID, superconducting nanowire arrays, etc), and associated pulse train data reduction in converting to well calibrated energy spectrum from hundreds of slightly varying quantum pixels in the detector array.

The ideal candidate is responsible for determining and developing effective approaches for resolving a wide range of difficult computational and scientific problems in quantum sensor data processing and analysis. Assignments are normally outlined in terms of overall objectives and anticipated results. Work is reviewed at milestones or at completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement advanced signal processing algorithms for quantum sensor data, including noise modeling, filtering, and signal extraction from quantum magnetometers and gravimeters.
• Design and develop AI/machine learning models for quantum sensor applications, including sensor fusion, anomaly detection, predictive analytics for navigation systems, and optimization of sensor performance.
• Build large-scale data reduction and analysis pipelines for processing multi-terabyte quantum sensor datasets, supporting detection and characterization of faint signals in noisy environments.
• Develop physics-based computational models for quantum sensor performance, including noise sources, environmental effects, and sensor response characteristics.
• Create software systems for quantum sensor-based navigation (PNT - Position, Navigation, and Timing), leveraging quantum magnetometers and gravimeters as alternatives or complements to GPS-denied navigation scenarios.
• Implement real-time data processing algorithms for quantum sensor operation, including adaptive filtering, state estimation, sensor calibration, and feedback control.
• Develop and maintain scientific software systems using Python, C++, MATLAB, and modern software engineering practices including version control (Git), testing frameworks, and comprehensive documentation.
• Conduct statistical analysis and uncertainty quantification for quantum sensor measurements, developing methods to characterize and improve measurement fidelity.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to define data acquisition requirements, optimize measurement protocols, and validate algorithm performance on experimental systems.
• Research and implement quantum communication protocols and quantum sensor networking approaches for distributed sensing applications.
• Address complex and difficult technical issues requiring novel and highly creative computational approaches drawing on advanced scientific concepts.
• Anticipate future computational needs and software modifications required to accomplish technical goals in quantum sensing and navigation.
• Leverage knowledge of internal and external experts to define current state-of-the-art in quantum sensor algorithms, understand deficiencies from real-world application perspectives, and suggest technical solutions and roadmaps.
• Document findings, communicate results to scientific staff, and make technical presentations at internal reviews, customer meetings, and external conferences.
• Publish research in recognized scientific journals and present work at national and international conferences.
• Provide expert guidance and consulting to other staff members on computational methods, signal processing, and AI/ML applications.
• May participate in program reviews, both internal and external, representing software development efforts.
• May coordinate segments of specific projects and have frequent inter-organization and customer contact on difficult technical issues.
• May provide direction to technical staff and less experienced professional staff.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.