Senior Research Engineer – Defense Quantum Applications Lead in Dayton, Ohio at University of Dayton
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Job Description
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: Research Institute Staff
Department: Innovation & Collaboration Office - 250800
Applications close: September 29, 2026 | September 29, 2026
| Position Summary: | The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to lead the development and transition of quantum computing applications supporting Department of Defense missions. This position will serve as a senior technical lead for UDRI’s growing defense quantum computing efforts, working at the intersection of operational mission needs, advanced mathematics, optimization, and emerging quantum technologies. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of military operations and decision-making and will be able to translate complex operational challenges into well-defined technical problems that can be evaluated using quantum, hybrid quantum-classical, and advanced computational approaches. The position does not require the candidate to be a quantum physicist; rather, it requires an exceptional problem solver who can understand operational needs, work effectively with quantum computing researchers and developers, and determine where emerging quantum capabilities may provide meaningful operational advantage. This is a full-time position requiring a high degree of independence, sound judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior government leaders, military operators, researchers, industry partners, and technical teams. |
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| Minimum Qualifications: | • Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related quantitative discipline. |
| Preferred Qualifications: | While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following: • Master’s degree or higher in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, or another relevant quantitative discipline. |
| Special Instructions to Applicants: | To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet. |
| Closing Statement: | Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973. |