Senior Research Scientist, Superconducting Hardware

Q-Ctrl • Los Angeles, CA

16d

About The Position

Join Q-CTRL’s Quantum Computing Research team to advance the control and calibration of superconducting quantum hardware. The role focuses on runtime calibration methods for optimizing two-qubit gates, enabling high-fidelity quantum algorithms and quantum error correction at scale. You will bring calibration execution closer to the hardware using FPGA compute and low-latency communication with the compute host, and collaborate with research, product, and engineering teams to turn research insights into robust software tools. The position addresses complex quantum computing challenges and supports development of useful, deployable quantum technology.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience conducting research in a relevant field.
• Deep understanding of superconducting qubit physics and RF engineering.
• Expertise calibrating two-qubit gates for transmon architectures, such as tunable couplers, parametric gates, and cross-resonance.
• Experience with the calibration control stack, signal chain, and FPGAs.
• Good grasp of software development best practices.
• Experience developing software modules for qubit measurement and control using Python, C++, or Rust.
• Versatility and self-motivation as a problem solver are valued.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A PhD is preferred; exceptional candidates with previous industry experience are also considered.

Responsibilities

• Design and test novel calibration techniques for two-qubit gates across different hardware architectures.
• Develop scalable protocols for processor optimization, including cross-talk mitigation, leakage reduction, and defect mitigation.
• Conduct research in runtime control strategies leveraging low-latency compute.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to translate research ideas and outcomes into production-level software.
• Explain, document, and present research solutions in accessible language.

Benefits

• Flexibility
• Equity potential
• Competitive benefits
• The role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity, and other compensation outside the targeted salary range.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior