Applied Scientist, Processor, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing

The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist in the Processor Test and Measurement group. 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.

We are looking for someone who enjoys connecting component-level measurements to integrated system behavior, and who is motivated by working across teams to understand it. 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.

Candidates with a track record of original scientific contributions will be preferred. We value strong engineering principles, resourcefulness, problem solving, and clear communication, along with the ability to work effectively within a team. As an Applied Scientist you will have the opportunity to pursue new ideas and stay abreast of the field of experimental quantum computation.


Key job responsibilities
We are looking to hire an Applied Scientist to help verify and validate the circuit components of our error-corrected quantum processors and to understand how their performance maps to QEC requirements. Depending on background and interest, the work may include:

- 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 our engineering roadmap, working closely with processor, theory, and QEC stakeholders so that component-level decisions are informed by overall system performance.

A day in the life



About the team
The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) is a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, on a mission to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

Inclusive Team Culture
Here at Amazon, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred 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
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.

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. - Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
- PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics
- Experience in designing experiments and statistical analysis of results
- 3 years experience characterizing quantum systems through measurement, with demonstrated ability to validate and interpret data using theory or simulation tools - Expertise in superconducting qubits, cavity/circuit QED, and microwave control of superconducting circuits
- Knowledge of two-qubit gate dynamics, readout modeling techniques, and low-level pulse optimization
- Expertise in the measurement and theory of multiplexed readout of quantum systems
- Experience with automated quantum processor bring-up and optimization for QEC applications

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

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.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. 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. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. 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, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, CA, Pasadena - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually