Quantum Applied Scientist, Processor Test & Measurement, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing

Applied Scientist – Processor Test and Measurement

Amazon Center for Quantum Computing, Pasadena, CA

About the role

You will join a multi-disciplinary team of theoretical and experimental physicists, materials scientists, and hardware and software engineers working at the forefront of quantum computing. This role focuses on the verification and validation of the circuit components that make up a quantum error correction (QEC) code — such as gates, reset, and readout — and on understanding how the performance of those components contributes to overall QEC performance.

Much of the work involves partnering with processor design, theory, and QEC colleagues to validate that new devices behave as their Hamiltonians predict, and to explore the gaps when they don't. A comfort with error budgeting — reasoning about where component performance comes from and what limits it — is central to the role.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborating with theory and processor design teams to develop experimental test plans that validate new processor designs and check that fabricated devices meet their intent.
• Characterizing the building blocks of a QEC code and building error budgets that explain and bound their performance.
• Designing experiments that help separate effects such as crosstalk and spectator interactions from intrinsic component performance.
• Prototyping calibration and measurement approaches that can later be matured for automated, large-scale processor bring-up and QEC demonstrations.
• Investigating discrepancies between measured and expected behavior, and feeding what you learn back into design and theory.

You will have the opportunity to take part in high-impact research projects that intersect with the engineering roadmap, working closely with processor, theory, and QEC stakeholders so that component-level decisions are informed by overall system performance.

Basic qualifications

• Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
• Master's degree or above in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics
• Experience working on multi-team, cross-disciplinary projects

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in any qubit modality, cavity/circuit QED, and microwave control of quantum systems
• Knowledge of two-qubit gate dynamics, readout modeling techniques, and low-level pulse optimization
• Experience with automated quantum processor bring-up and optimization for QEC applications
• Experience working with cryogenic systems and microwave control systems — including wiring, microwave filters, and RF control electronics

About AWS

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world's most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. AWS Utility Computing (UC) provides product innovations — from foundational services such as Amazon's Simple Storage Service (S3) and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), to consistently released new product innovations that continue to set AWS's services and features apart in the industry.

Why join us

Inclusive Team Culture

AWS values curiosity and connection. Our employee-led and company-sponsored affinity groups promote inclusion and empower our people to take pride in what makes us unique. Our inclusion events foster stronger, more collaborative teams.

Diverse Experiences

Even if you do not meet all of the qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.

Mentorship & Career Growth

You'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Work/Life Balance

We strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home.

Compensation and benefits

Base salary range: $136,000.00 – $184,000.00 USD annually

Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location.

Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans)
• EAP and Mental Health Support
• Medical Advice Line
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits

Export control requirement

Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be able to obtain a US export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.

Equal opportunity

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

For Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information.