Applied Scientist, Materials and Process Development, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 142,800 - 193,200; Full time

Job summary

Amazon’s AWS Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA seeks an Applied Scientist to lead materials integration and process development for superconducting quantum processors. You will work with physicists, materials scientists, and engineers to advance deposition, integration, and characterization.

The role emphasizes translating materials advances into scalable production, collaborating across teams, and publishing results when appropriate.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related field (ME / EE / Materials Science / Physics) or equivalent.
• Expertise in thin-film deposition and process integration at 200 mm wafer scale or larger.
• Expertise in thin-film characterization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize materials for superconducting quantum hardware, emphasizing thin‑film deposition processes and materials solutions that enable integration architectures for scaling qubit density.
• Establish process‑structure‑property relationships for production‑relevant films and interfaces, qualify new tools and process modules, and design integration schemes compatible with larger wafer formats.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to translate materials advances into production, and publish results in scientific journals when appropriate.

Skills

Thin-film deposition

Process integration

Thin-film characterization

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Physics

Tools

Scientific programming environment

Thin-film deposition tools

Materials characterization instruments

Job description

Applied Scientist, Materials and Process Development, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Job ID: 10422710 | Amazon Development Center U.S., Inc.

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist on the Materials team, focused on materials integration and process development for superconducting quantum processors. 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. You should have expertise in thin-film deposition, semiconductor integration processes, and materials characterization, with a strong understanding of how device topography and process sequences constrain materials integration choices.

Candidates with a track record in materials integration for superconducting or semiconductor devices at wafer scale will be preferred. We are looking for candidates with strong scientific and engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. As an Applied Scientist at CQC, you will be expected to drive materials integration R&D from process development through hardware demonstration and stay abreast of advances in superconducting materials and semiconductor manufacturing.

Key job responsibilities

• Develop and optimize materials for superconducting quantum hardware, emphasizing thin‑film deposition processes and materials solutions that enable integration architectures for scaling qubit density.
• Establish process‑structure‑property relationships for production‑relevant films and interfaces, qualify new tools and process modules, and design integration schemes compatible with larger wafer formats.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams to translate materials advances into production, and publish results in scientific journals when appropriate.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics or equivalent.
• Expertise in thin‑film deposition and process integration at 200 mm wafer scale or larger.
• Expertise in thin‑film characterization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience successfully delivering on projects as part of a cross‑team collaboration.
• Proficient in a scientific programming environment.
• Familiarity with superconducting materials and their integration into device fabrication flows.
• Experience developing novel materials or deposition processes for advanced device architectures.
• Experience with 3D integration.
• Track record of translating materials or process integration advances into improved device performance.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, consult https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information.

Salary: $142,800.00 - $193,200.00 USD annually.