Quantum Algorithm Developer

Who Are We?

Taking care of our customers, our communities and each other. That's the Travelers Promise. By honoring this commitment, we have maintained our reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry for over 170 years. Join us to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do and where you do it.

Job Category

Technology

Compensation Overview

The annual base salary range provided for this position is a nationwide market range and represents a broad range of salaries for this role across the country. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are also eligible for performance-based cash incentive awards.

Salary Range
$126,500.00 - $208,700.00

Target Openings

1

What Is the Opportunity?

At Travelers, we're not just keeping pace with technology - we're leading our industry into the future. Our Emerging Tech team is looking for a Data Engineer (Quantum Algorithm Developer) to help expand the footprint of our foundational research into quantum computing applications for the insurance industry. In this Quantum Algorithm Developer role, you will contribute to the development and evaluation of quantum computing algorithmic solutions with future potential in the insurance industry. You'll also play a critical part in bootstrapping classical-compute solutions that can provide early business value for these problems and serve as precursors to later quantum solutions.
This role is fundamentally a Quantum Algorithm Developer position focused on exploring and implementing quantum computing solutions. This role differs from typical Data Engineer positions in that it emphasizes emerging quantum technology exploration, algorithm development, and research-to-prototype execution over traditional software development. The successful candidate will help bootstrap both classical-compute solutions that provide early business value AND quantum algorithmic solutions that position us for future quantum advantage.
Your work will range from curating insurance-relevant problems at the start, through algorithm development and prototyping, to estimating the potential benefit of future scaled-up versions based on small-scale experimental evidence. You'll collaborate with external partners from industry and academia as we explore one of the most promising frontiers in computing.
The primary goal for the first year is to explore and identify promising use cases where quantum computing could provide value in the insurance domain.
Problem Curation and Use Case Identification
Curate exemplary problems with relevancy to the insurance space and potential for quantum advantage
Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand pain points in risk assessment, optimization, and decision-making
Evaluate problems for quantum advantage potential vs. classical sufficiency
Build a portfolio of insurance use cases ranked by quantum readiness and business value potential
Algorithm Development and Prototyping
Apply, adapt, and derive quantum algorithms to solve curated insurance problems
Develop classical-compute reference solutions to establish baselines and provide early business value
Implement quantum algorithm prototypes using Qiskit and other frameworks
Design hybrid quantum-classical approaches that leverage strengths of both paradigms
Performance Analysis and Validation
Analyze algorithm performance through simulations on classical hardware
Conduct experiments on diverse quantum hardware (simulators and actual quantum computers)
Distill scaling properties of algorithm candidates
Estimate potential benefit of future scaled-up versions based on small-scale experimental evidence
Demonstrate value through clear data visualization, plots, and verifiable evidence
Research and Collaboration
Identify, research, and realize key advances in relevant areas of quantum computing
Collaborate within the Applied Research team and with external partners from industry and academia
Review results and justify selected algorithmic solutions with technical rigor
Stay current with quantum computing research and emerging techniques
Contribute to Travelers' quantum computing knowledge base and technical documentation

Preferred Qualifications
Hands-On Quantum Implementation
Demonstrated ability to implement and prototype quantum algorithms, not just theoretical understanding
Experience with IBM Qiskit for quantum circuit design and execution
Portfolio showing proof-of-concept quantum implementations - GitHub repositories with quantum code strongly preferred
Ability to translate quantum computing research papers into working code
Experience conducting experiments on quantum hardware simulators and/or actual quantum computers
Quantum Algorithm Knowledge
Fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics principles relevant to quantum computing
Working knowledge of quantum algorithms including:

- QAOA (Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm)

- QAE (Quantum Amplitude Estimation)

- QUBO (Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization) formulations

- VQE (Variational Quantum Eigensolver)

Understanding of quantum advantage, quantum supremacy concepts, and scaling properties
Familiarity with quantum error mitigation techniques and current hardware limitations
Research-to-Prototype Execution
Proven ability to conduct proper research and translate findings into working prototypes
Experience moving from academic/theoretical concepts to functional code
Track record of prototyping ideas from research papers or novel approaches
Ability to curate problems with relevancy to specific domains and evaluate them for quantum advantage potential
Skill in distilling scaling properties of algorithm candidates

Classical Computing Reference Solutions (70% of work)
Strong programming skills in Python for prototyping and experimentation (required)
Experience developing classical-compute solutions that provide business value
Ability to implement reference solutions using traditional approaches before quantum implementation
Understanding of when classical approaches are sufficient vs. when quantum may provide advantage
Rigorous Data Analysis and Validation
Strong foundation in applying proper data analysis techniques
Ability to demonstrate value through facts, plots, and verifiable evidence
Experience analyzing algorithm performance through simulations and experiments
Skill in communicating technical findings with visual and statistical rigor
Comfortable with both Bayesian and/or Frequentist statistical frameworks
Advanced Analytics and Optimization
Strong background in optimization algorithms (linear programming, constraint optimization, metaheuristics)
Experience with machine learning techniques including deep learning and neural networks
Understanding of how quantum algorithms can complement or enhance classical ML approaches
Familiarity with hybrid quantum-classical algorithm architectures
Innovative Problem-Solving
Ability to think outside conventional approaches and connect dots across disparate research areas
Track record of applying insights from one domain to solve problems in another
Experience identifying emerging techniques that could address complex challenges
Demonstrated learning agility - quickly adapting to new tools, frameworks, and techniques
Professional Communication
Ability to present complex quantum concepts to audiences at various technical levels
Experience documenting research findings and prototype results clearly
Skill in explaining "why" behind technical decisions, not just "what" was implemented
Comfortable collaborating with both technical peers and business stakeholders
Education Credentials
2-5 years of professional experience in quantum computing, research, or related field
Master's degree in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or related STEM field (required)
PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field (strongly preferred)
Foundational research or emerging technology exploration experience valued over production deployment experience

What is a Must Have?

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, related STEM field, or its equivalent in education and/or work experience.
• 4 additional years of data engineering experience.

What Is in It for You?

• Health Insurance: Employees and their eligible family members - including spouses, domestic partners, and children - are eligible for coverage from the first day of employment.
• Retirement: Travelers matches your 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to your first 5% of eligible pay, subject to an annual maximum. If you have student loan debt, you can enroll in the Paying it Forward Savings Program. When you make a payment toward your student loan, Travelers will make an annual contribution into your 401(k) account. You are also eligible for a Pension Plan that is 100% funded by Travelers.
• Paid Time Off: Start your career at Travelers with a minimum of 20 days Paid Time Off annually, plus nine paid company Holidays.
• Wellness Program: The Travelers wellness program is comprised of tools, discounts and resources that empower you to achieve your wellness goals and caregiving needs. In addition, our mental health program provides access to free professional counseling services, health coaching and other resources to support your daily life needs.
• Volunteer Encouragement: We have a deep commitment to the communities we serve and encourage our employees to get involved. Travelers has a Matching Gift and Volunteer Rewards program that enables you to give back to the charity of your choice.

Employment Practices

Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We value the unique abilities and talents each individual brings to our organization and recognize that we benefit in numerous ways from our differences.

In accordance with local law, candidates seeking employment in Colorado are not required to disclose dates of attendance at or graduation from educational institutions.

If you are a candidate and have specific questions regarding the physical requirements of this role, please send us an email so we may assist you.

Travelers reserves the right to fill this position at a level above or below the level included in this posting.

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