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

Amazon.com Inc

Pasadena, CA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Analysis Skills, Architectural Services, Calibration, Conferences, Cross-Functional, Mentoring, Microprocessor Architecture, Performance Tuning/Optimization, Physics, Predictive Modeling, Quantum Computing, Regulations, Research & Development (R&D), Research Skills, Scientific Publications, Strategic Planning, Team Player, United States Citizen
LOCATION
Pasadena, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

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.

Key job 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

About the team

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.

Inclusive Team Culture

Here at Amazon, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

Diverse Experiences

Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.

Mentorship & Career Growth

We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Work/Life Balance

We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve in the cloud.

Export Control Requirement

Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be able to obtain a US export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.

About the Company

A

Amazon.com Inc

At Amazon, we don’t wait for the next big idea to present itself. We envision the shape of impossible things and then we boldly make them reality. So far, this mindset has helped us achieve some incredible things. Let’s build new systems, challenge the status quo, and design the world we want to live in. We believe the work you do here will be the best work of your life.

Wherever you are in your career exploration, Amazon likely has an opportunity for you. Our research scientists and engineers shape the future of natural language understanding with Alexa. Fulfillment center associates around the globe send customer orders from our warehouses to doorsteps. Product managers set feature requirements, strategy, and marketing messages for brand new customer experiences. And as we grow, we’ll add jobs that haven’t been invented yet.

It’s Always Day 1
At Amazon, it’s always “Day 1.” Now, what does this mean and why does it matter? It means that our approach remains the same as it was on Amazon’s very first day – to make smart, fast decisions, stay nimble, invent, and stay focused on delighting our customers. In our 2016 shareholder letter, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos shared his thoughts on how to keep up a Day 1 company mindset. “Staying in Day 1 requires you to experiment patiently, accept failures, plant seeds, protect saplings, and double down when you see customer delight,” he wrote. “A customer-obsessed culture best creates the conditions where all of that can happen.” You can read the full letter here

Our Leadership Principles
Our Leadership Principles help us keep a Day 1 mentality. They aren’t just a pretty inspirational wall hanging. Amazonians use them, every day, whether they’re discussing ideas for new projects, deciding on the best solution for a customer’s problem, or interviewing candidates. To read through our Leadership Principles from Customer Obsession to Bias for Action, visit https://www.amazon.jobs/principles
COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Retail
FOUNDED
1994
WEBSITE
http://Amazon.com/militaryroles