Quantum Compute Materials Engineer: Thin-Film Qubit Stack

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; San Jose, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Digital seeks a Quantum Compute Thin Film Stack Materials Engineer to lead research in deposition of Al, Nb and Ta based superconductors and insulators for high quality factor resonators and Josephson junctions.

The role emphasizes surface preparation, interface control, grain size, crystallinity, and room-temperature stack resistance to translate process uniformity into resonator and qubit performance across wafers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and post-doctoral research focused on thin film stacks for superconducting qubits.
• Strong understanding of superconducting qubit design theory.
• Experience with nanofabrication methods for superconducting qubits is a plus.
• Experience with thin film characterization techniques (XRD, AFM, CIPT, TEM, XPS).

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects in quantum computing thin film materials and surface / interface control.
• Lead thin film stack characterization efforts.
• Collaborate with product teams to tackle challenges and develop solutions.
• Publish findings and present at conferences; communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Python

Rust

TCL

C

FPGA programming

Qubit design theory

Education

Ph.D in Physics / Electrical Engineering / Materials Science

Tools

XRD

AFM

CIPT

TEM

XPS

Job description

Western Digital seeks a Quantum Compute Thin Film Stack Materials Engineer to lead research in deposition of Al, Nb and Ta based superconductors and insulators for high quality factor resonators and Josephson junctions.

The role emphasizes surface preparation, interface control, grain size, crystallinity, and room-temperature stack resistance to translate process uniformity into resonator and qubit performance across wafers.