Quantum Computational Science Specialist

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Quantum Computing Specialist to join the Future Technology team within the Rolls‑Royce R&T organisation based in Derby. The role will lead Quantum Computing activities including developing applications and algorithms for Fault Tolerant Quantum Computers, hybrid quantum-classical workflows, and classical circuit simulation using High Performance Computers. Application areas include Quantum Linear Equation Solvers, state and matrix loading, block encoding, measurement observables and state reconstruction including machine learning and data science.

The team aims to radically transform RR Engineering methods and software, applying these to emerging novel products & services. The potential of quantum computing to disrupt the way businesses design their products will only be possible with robust engineering applications. The successful candidates will join Rolls‑Royce at the outset of its journey of disruption with multiple opportunities to shape our future methods and software; and, to interact with technical experts inside and outside the Company.

What you will be doing:

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic, agile and creative team, directly reporting to the Chief of Future Methods. You will lead and support state-of-the-art research programmes with quantum computing companies, universities, and government research laboratories. You will develop quantum computational science methods as part of future multi-physics simulation capabilities, developing algorithms and codes to utilise quantum processors.

Both roles will focus on error-corrected algorithms and develop practical applications that can be run in emulation in advance of using physical devices.

For Quantum Linear Equation Solvers, this will build on our existing expertise in Quantum Singular Value Transformation and extend into new areas such as solving time-dependent PDEs and circuit contraction using tensor networks.

We expect there to be many crossovers in the algorithms being developed and for the two roles to work closely together and with the rest of the team. Both will involve hybrid classical-quantum algorithms and the use of high-performance computers for larger test cases.

This will include a propensity to influence RR to adopt these methods and support their wider commercialisation as appropriate. As such, the role offers the opportunity to work with a broad and complex stakeholder community, both internal and external.

You may also take part in technology horizon scanning and identify and assess emerging computation technologies.

Preferred Requirements:

• A degree in Physics, Mathematics or equivalent qualification.
• A sound understanding of quantum information and postgraduate experience in computational science, or a strong experience using classical linear algebra.
• Experience using and implementing quantum computing algorithms including development with one or more development environments; PennyLane, QuEST, or similar.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Strong consultancy skills with the ability to engage effectively with domain experts, academics, start-ups and technology vendors globally.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate with non-quantum computing specialists including seniors within Rolls‑Royce.
• Experience and expertise in solvers for Fault Tolerant Quantum Computers, such as Quantum Singular Value Transformation.
• Experience of parallel programming for high performance computing (Desirable).
• Experience of simulation and modelling and/or machine learning for engineering (Desirable).
• Knowledge of state loading, matrix encoding, amplitude amplification and measurement operators (Desirable).
• Azure DevOps, Cloud compute architecture, and HPC system management/deployment (Desirable).
• Experience in classical data science and machine learning (Desirable).