At scale, quantum computers will be integrated into classical datacenters — combining the unique strengths of CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs will help us solve the world’s hardest problems. Today, we already use IonQ quantum computers in tandem with high-performance computer (HPC) clusters in applications like quantum machine learning and image analysis. As a Senior Staff Software Engineer leading our HPC integration, you’ll help build and maintain our interfaces with SLURM and other open HPC stacks.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of our HPC software stack integrations
• Establish best practices for code development, quality assurance, documentation, and continuous integration and deployment
• Lead and participate in code reviews
• Effectively self-manage projects, priorities, deadlines, and deliverables; Identify, track and mitigate execution roadblocks and technical risks
• Mentor junior staff members; we’ll ultimately be building a team around you!
• Help minimize overhead between classical and quantum resources through efficient scheduling and parallelization

You’d be a good fit with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT or equivalent practical experience -- untraditional backgrounds are welcome and encouraged!
• 13+ years experience in software engineering
• 5+ years experience of open source contributions
• 2+ years experience with Slurm or other HPC batch schedulers (LSF, PBS, GridEngine, etc.) and/or other HPC technologies
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes or Microk8s
• Familiarity with MPI or other multiprocessing schemes
• Experience with workflow orchestration tools (Argo Workflows, Kubeflow)
• Significant experience with system languages like C/C++ or Go, and advanced scripting in Python
• Established experience in Linux operating system, environment, and tools

You’d be a great fit with:

• 15+ years experience in software engineering
• 10+ years experience of making open source contributions  
• 5+ years in High Performance Compute cluster management
• 2+ years experience as an open source project maintainer with an active community
• Expert-level knowledge of Fortran and/or C
• Familiarity with quantum software stacks like MQSS or OpenQSE
• Familiarity with distributed computing frameworks like Ray or Dask
• Experience with GPU programming models such as CUDA (or even better: CUDA Quantum)
• Expert analysis skills in areas like statistical testing, modeling and general optimization
• Knowledge of one or more domains of computational physics (PDEs, n-body, large-dimension integration, stochastic systems, ...)
• Familiarity with common machine learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Exposure to quantum physics and/or quantum information science

Location: This is a hybrid role based at our headquarters in College Park, MD or at our Bothell, Washington facility.
Travel: 10%
Job ID: 1135

The approximate base salary range for this position is $187,358- $245,300. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Title: Rackner AI Innovation Fellowship (Startup Accelerator Internship)

Location: College Park (Hybrid – ~50% Minimum In-Person)

 Who We Are

Rackner is a cloud-native software consultancy delivering innovative solutions for startups, enterprises, and the public sector. We are a fast-growing, mission-driven organization focused on solving complex challenges through cutting-edge technologies.

Our expertise spans end-to-end application development, DevSecOps, AI/ML, and systems architecture, with a strong emphasis on cloud-first and cost-effective innovation. We partner with organizations ranging from early-stage startups to large federal agencies, enabling digital transformation and delivering high-impact, scalable solutions.

Position Overview

The Rackner AI Innovation Fellowship is a hands-on research and development program designed to explore and build next-generation solutions using artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and emerging technologies.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for students and early-career technologists to work in a startup-like environment while gaining real-world experience developing impactful solutions aligned with Rackner’s mission.

The program runs year-round, with:

• Part-time participation during the academic year
• Full-time engagement during the summer

Fellows will work in collaborative teams (ideally groups of 2–3 participants) to take ideas from concept to prototype, focusing on real-world applications, scalability, and measurable impact. Teams that already have strong working relationships are encouraged to apply together.

Each team will receive funding for cloud infrastructure and AI tools to support development. At the conclusion of the program, teams will present their solutions, findings, and working prototypes to Rackner leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate in small teams to design, develop, and prototype innovative AI/ML and cloud-based solutions
• Conduct research on emerging technologies, including LLMs, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks
• Build and deploy applications using modern cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Develop proof-of-concept solutions with measurable impact
• Apply software engineering best practices (version control, testing, documentation)
• Analyze technical feasibility and potential business value of solutions
• Present findings, demos, and final prototypes to leadership
• Manage project timelines and contribute to team-based innovation

Focus Areas

• Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-enabled applications
• Cloud-native development and distributed systems
• Cybersecurity and secure system design
• B2B platforms and enterprise solutions
• Government and public sector technology

Qualifications (Required)

• Must reside in a HUBZone
  (Verify eligibility: https://maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map)
• Ability to participate in a hybrid model (~50% in-person in College Park)
• Currently enrolled student or recent graduate in a relevant field

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or Business
• Strong preference for candidates with software development experience
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Java
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch, HuggingFace)
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Understanding of APIs, microservices, or distributed systems

Candidate Profile (What We’re Looking For)

• HUBZone candidates strongly encouraged to apply
  (Goal: Build a cohort of at least 9 HUBZone participants, including current interns)
• Team-oriented applicants
• Preference for candidates applying in teams of 2–3
• Teams with prior working relationships or strong collaboration experience are highly encouraged
• Balanced technical + business mindset
• Ideal team composition: 2 technical (software-focused) + 1 business-oriented member
• Candidates with business, product, or entrepreneurial experience are a plus
• High energy and motivation
• Demonstrated strong work ethic
• Passion for innovation, problem-solving, and building new solutions
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous, startup-like environments

 Startup Accelerator Opportunity

Participants will have the opportunity to convert their project into a startup by buying back their intellectual property (IP) in exchange for equity, creating a direct pathway from fellowship to entrepreneurship.

Additional Benefits

• Industry-leading weekly pay schedule
• Hybrid work environment with strong in-person collaboration
• Access to cutting-edge AI tools and cloud resources
• Professional development and certification support
• Opportunity to build real-world portfolio projects
• Exposure to startup and enterprise innovation
• Home office support

Why Join Rackner?

This fellowship is more than an internship, it’s an opportunity to innovate, build, and potentially launch your own venture while working on impactful technologies that support both commercial and federal missions.

What Impact You'll Have

• We are actively searching for Data Scientists, located in Maryland, to support our team. We have varying levels of Data Scientist roles, depending on years of experience and education.
• The ideal candidate should possess expertise in AI/ML, proficiency in Python, and hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow, with an added advantage if they have cyber knowledge. This role combines artificial intelligence and machine learning skills with a strong foundation in programming and cybersecurity.

What You'll be Owning

• Foundations: (Mathematical, Computational, Statistical) 2. Data Processing: (Data management and curation, data description and visualization, workflow, and reproducibility)
• Modeling, Inference, and Prediction: (Data modeling and assessment, domain-specific considerations)
• Devise strategies for extracting meaning and value from large datasets.
• Make and communicate principled conclusions from data using elements of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and application specific knowledge.
• Through analytic modeling, statistical analysis, programming, and/or another appropriate scientific method, develop and implement qualitative and quantitative methods for characterizing, exploring, and assessing large datasets in various states of organization, cleanliness, and structure that account for the unique features and limitations inherent in NSA/CSS data holdings.
• Translate practical mission needs and analytic questions related to large datasets into technical requirements and, conversely, assist others with drawing appropriate conclusions from the analysis of such data.
• Effectively communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences. Make informed recommendations regarding competing technical solutions by maintaining awareness of the constantly shifting NSA/CSS collection, processing, storage and analytic capabilities and limitations.

What You Must Have

• Bachelor’s Degree with 3 years of relevant experience or an Associates degree with 5 years of relevant experience  
• Bachelor’s Degree must be in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics Statistics, Applied Statistics, Machine learning, Data Science, Operations Research, or Computer Science or a degree in a related field (Computer Information Systems, Engineering), a degree in the physical/hard sciences (e.g. physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy), or other science disciplines with a substantial computational component (i.e. behavioral, social, or life) may be considered if it included a concentration of coursework (5 or more courses) in advanced Mathematics (typically 300 level or higher, such as linear algebra, probability and statistics, machine learning)  and/or computer science (e.g. algorithms, programming, , data structures, data mining, artificial intelligence).  College-level requirements, or upper-level math courses designated as elementary or basic do not count.  Note: A broader range of degrees will be considered if accompanied by a Certificate in Data Science from an accredited college/university.
• Relevant experience must be in designing/implementing machine learning, data science, advanced analytical algorithms, programming (skill in at least one high-level language (e.g., Python)), statistical analysis (e.g., variability, sampling error, inference, hypothesis testing, EDA, application of linear models), data management (e.g., data cleaning and transformation), data mining, data modeling and assessment, artificial intelligence, and/or software engineering. Experience in more than one area is strongly preferred. 
• Active TS/SCI with a polygraph 

#LI-SM1

Overview

Black Canyon Consulting (BCC) seeks a AI/Machine Learning Specialist that will lead design and deployment of AI/ML models that advance MC&FP’s mission outcomes while ensuring ethical and compliant use.

We attract the best people in the business with our competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k plan with employer contribution, paid holidays, vacation, and tuition and conference reimbursement. If you enjoy being a part of a high performing, professional service and technology focused organization, please apply today!