Sr. Quantum Applied Scientist, Device and Architecture Theory, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon • Pasadena, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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. As a Senior Quantum Applied Scientist on our Device and Architecture Theory team, you will be a technical authority and driving force in the theory and modeling of our superconducting qubit processors. You will lead detailed modeling efforts to explain experimental results, inform new processor designs, and optimize device performance, working closely with our measurement, design, and calibration teams. You will also help chart the strategic direction for next-generation processors, evaluating novel qubits, gate schemes, and scalable architectures for error correction and fault-tolerant logic. This is a role with significant room for innovation: you will play a key role in architecting our large-scale error-corrected quantum processors. We are looking for a seasoned researcher with deep expertise in superconducting circuit physics and a proven track record of bridging theory and experiment. Success in this role requires both technical depth and a genuine passion for applied, collaborative work. The ideal candidate will excel at communication across disciplines — translating detailed analyses into actionable guidance for engineering teams — and will bring the experience and judgment to identify innovations that will have the greatest impact.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or an equivalent degree in a similar field, and 5+ years of related experience
• Significant expertise in one or more of the following areas: superconducting circuits, cavity/circuit QED, quantum optics, open quantum systems
• A demonstrated track record of original, impactful research in quantum physics
• Experience successfully delivering on projects as part of a cross-team collaboration
• Proficiency in a scientific programming environment

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in superconducting qubits and their core operations - gates, readout, reset, etc.
• Familiarity with bosonic codes, erasure/dual-rail qubits, or protected qubits
• Familiarity with quantum error correction and fault tolerant logic
• Experience with theoretical and numerical modeling of multi-qubit quantum processors
• Experience working directly with experimental data or supporting an experimental collaboration
• Expertise in numerical methods and experience with high-performance computing
• Experience setting technical direction for a research team or initiative.

Responsibilities

• Develop theoretical and numerical models of superconducting qubit processors, working across theory, measurement, design, and calibration teams to validate predictions and translate modeling insights into device improvements
• Conduct pathfinding research on novel qubit designs, gate schemes, and processor architectures to push the performance of next-generation devices
• Communicate scientific findings across the CQC, and, when appropriate, share results externally via conference presentations and publications in scientific journals
• Identify and evaluate emerging research developments that could impact architectural decisions

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree