Quantum Compute Simulation Scientist

Western Digital•San Jose, CA

About The Position

WD is seeking a talented researcher to join our team and drive innovative research projects in quantum computing, specifically to focus on quantum compute simulation. You will play a pivotal role in implementing large scale simulation models that will implement specific quantum error correction schemes, including distillation on top of a distributed network of superconducting qubits defined by their population lifetimes (T1, T2, T2), single and double qubit gates error rates and other microscopic parameters. The goals will be to reach detailed understanding how distribution of microscopic parameters impact overheads needed to produce fault tolerant logical qubits from physical qubits. Additional goals would be related to detailed quantum mechanical modeling of superconducting qubits devices and developing theoretical and empirical models for microscopic parameters of superconducting qubits. In the course of the project, you will collaborate with both room temperature and low temperature DC and RF metrology scientists to accurately describe realistic population lifetime distributions, and with Quantum Error Correction information theorist to help choose various quantum error correction schemes. The key goal of these simulations will be to accurately determine requirements on the distribution profiles of microscopic parameters of the qubits and qubit gates to promote fabrication of FTQC systems with minimal number of physical qubits.

Requirements

Ph.D degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or related with coursework background in Condensed matter physics, Quantum Field theory and quantum error correction control theory
Experience in using open source and commercial software platforms such as Pennylane and TopQAD, scqubits and SQuADDS
Thorough understand of superconducting qubit design theory and building in-house simulation tools and utilizing existing open source
Experience in simulation of low temperature DC and RF measurement of qubit devices
Proficiency in a wide array of programming languages, like Python, Rust, TCL, or C, and the ability to choose the right one for the task, including knowledge (or willingness to acquire knowledge) of FPGA based microcontrollers

Responsibilities

Lead and execute research projects in quantum computing superconducting qubit simulation of multi-qubits systems using in-house and commercial simulation tools
Collaborate with product teams to tackle novel challenges and develop innovative solutions.
Stay current with industry and academic trends, publishing papers and presenting at conferences.
Develop and present detailed reports and visualizations to communicate findings, trends, and actionable insights to stakeholders at all levels.
Highly self-motivated problem solver able to thrive in unstructured environment.
Ability to independently pursue fundamental research, including paper writing and publishing.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp and address challenges outside of immediate field of expertise.

Benefits

paid vacation time
paid sick leave
medical/dental/vision insurance
life, accident and disability insurance
tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts
employee assistance program
other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity
tuition reimbursement
transit
the Applause Program
employee stock purchase plan
the WD Savings 401(k) Plan