Principal Applied Quantum Research Scientist

NVIDIA Corporation; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 192,000 - 305,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA Corporation in Redmond, WA seeks a Principal Applied Quantum Research Scientist to lead pathfinding and develop breakthrough technologies in fault-tolerant quantum computing and AI-driven optimization.

You will collaborate with world-class researchers and engineers to translate foundational research into practical technologies for accelerated quantum systems and to shape NVIDIA's quantum computing platforms and software stack.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in a technical field (Physics, CS, math, EE).
• Demonstrated impactful research contributions through publications, patents, or deployed tech.
• Strong collaboration and communication across teams and partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead research across fault-tolerant quantum computing and related areas.
• Develop AI/machine learning methods to accelerate quantum computing.
• Collaborate with Applied Research, Engineering, Architecture, and external partners.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Quantum systems design

AI-driven optimization

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics/CS/Applied Math/EE

Job description

At NVIDIA, we’re solving the world’s most exciting problems with our unique approach to accelerated computing. We’re looking for passionate technologists with deep quantum computing expertise to help define the future of accelerated quantum supercomputing. As a Principal Applied Quantum Research Scientist within Quantum Computing Applied Research, you will conduct technical pathfinding and develop breakthrough technologies spanning fault-tolerant quantum computing, quantum error correction, logical architectures, compilation, synthesis, resource optimization, and AI-driven optimization methods.

Quantum computing is a strategic priority for NVIDIA, and our goal is to accelerate the entire ecosystem through innovations in software, hardware, and system architecture. In this role, you will work with world-class researchers, engineers, architects, and external partners to advance the state of the art in fault-tolerant quantum computing and translate foundational research into practical technologies for accelerated quantum systems. Do you love developing new technology, tackling difficult scientific challenges, and driving innovation at the intersection of quantum computing and AI? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing:

• Conduct technical pathfinding and lead impactful research across fault-tolerant quantum computing, driving innovations from theory to practice in areas such as quantum error correction, logical architectures, compilation, synthesis, AI-driven optimization, and quantum system co-design.
• Research novel approaches for FTQC logic and architectures, such as fault-tolerant protocols and architectures, quantum compilation methods, application-architecture co-design, fundamental primitives to enable FTQC and decoding at scale.
• Develop and apply advanced AI and machine learning methods to accelerate fault-tolerant quantum computing, such as decoding, compilation, architecture optimization, design-space exploration, and performance modeling.
• Collaborate across Applied Research, Engineering, Architecture, and external partners to develop technologies that enable practical large-scale quantum computing.
• Influence the evolution of NVIDIA’s quantum computing platforms, software stack, and accelerated quantum supercomputing roadmap.
• Contribute to a culture of technical excellence, innovation, curiosity, and collaborative problem solving.

What we need to see:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of research and industry experience in Quantum Information Science, Quantum Computing, Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing, or related areas.
• Deep expertise in one or more of the following areas: quantum error correction, fault tolerance, logical architectures, quantum compilation, quantum synthesis, resource estimation, quantum algorithms, or quantum systems design.
• Demonstrated record of impactful technical contributions through research achievements, publications, patents, open-source software, deployed technologies, or other innovations.
• Passion for developing novel techniques and translating them into practical technologies that accelerate the path to scientifically useful fault-tolerant quantum computing.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across research, engineering, product teams, and external partners.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Experience developing scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing systems spanning applications, software, logical layers, and hardware.
• Experience applying AI, machine learning, reinforcement learning, foundation models, or advanced optimization techniques to quantum computing challenges.
• Hands-on experience in scientific computing, high-performance computing, accelerated computing, or GPU-based systems.
• Experience with CUDA, CUDA-Q, NVIDIA GPUs, or heterogeneous computing architectures.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and other objective job-related factors. The expected base salary range for this position is 192,000 USD – 304,750 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until November 8, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.