Applied Scientist, Processor, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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
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.
- 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.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
