Applied Scientist, Materials Characterization and Simulations, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon • Pasadena, CA

8d • $142,800 - $193,200 • Onsite

About The Position

The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist on the Materials team, focused on understanding and mitigating materials-driven loss mechanisms in superconducting quantum processors. 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. You should have deep expertise in materials characterization and computational modeling of disordered solids, with the ability to connect atomic-scale insights to materials design. Candidates with a track record of original scientific contributions in experimental and computational studies of materials defects will be preferred. We are looking for candidates with strong scientific and engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. As an Applied Scientist at CQC, you will be expected to drive materials research from characterization through design recommendations and stay abreast of advances in materials science for superconducting quantum hardware.

Requirements

• PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics or equivalent
• Expertise in materials characterization techniques
• Experience with computational modeling of materials or disordered systems

Nice To Haves

• Experience successfully delivering on projects as part of a cross-team collaboration
• Proficient in a scientific programming environment
• Expertise in superconductivity theory and sources of dissipation in superconducting quantum devices
• Familiarity with thin-film deposition, surface preparation, or semiconductor fabrication processes
• Track record of translating materials research into actionable process or design recommendations

Responsibilities

• Combine materials characterization and numerical simulations to investigate how material defects affect qubit performance.
• Implement multi-technique characterization workflows for thin films and interfaces.
• Provide input on the design of materials with targeted properties.
• Develop computational tools for simulations of disordered structures.
• Provide characterization support for the Fabrication team, investigating materials sources of loss in production-relevant films and processes.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to translate materials insights into actionable process improvements.
• Publish results in scientific journals when appropriate.

Benefits

• 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
• parental leave
• sign-on payments
• restricted stock units (RSUs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree