Quantum System Performance Scientist

IBM

Boston (MA)

On-site

USD 200,000 - 268,000

Full time

3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Turn this role into an interview — a resume and cover letter built around what this employer wants.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

IBM Research invites applications for a Quantum System Performance Scientist to join a collaborative team optimizing superconducting qubit systems. You will design and analyze quantum measurements, develop calibration sequences, and work with cross-functional engineers and scientists in a fast-paced, cutting-edge environment.

The role requires a Master’s degree (Doctorate preferred) with strong Python skills and experience in RF/microwave characterization, contributing to breakthroughs in

Qualifications

Strong track record in quantum measurement techniques and characterizing coherence times, spectral frequencies, coupling strengths.
Excellent Python coding skills for data analysis and hands-on experimentation.
Experience with RF/microwave characterization or design at device-/PCB-/wiring-level.

Responsibilities

Optimize IBM Quantum system performance for large-scale experiments.
Identify performance gaps through design and analysis of quantum measurements.
Develop or enhance calibration sequences for superconducting qubits.
Collaborate with analog and digital signal engineers, experimental and theoretical physicists, and software developers.
Demonstrate strong communication, technical rigor, and ownership in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Python

Quantum measurement

RF/microwave

Data analysis

Education

Master's Degree

Doctorate Degree

Tools

Qiskit

Measurement hardware

Job description

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

The successful candidate will join a team of scientists and engineers in a highly collaborative effort to optimize the performance of IBM Quantum systems for large‑scale quantum experiments. The role involves identifying performance gaps through the design and analysis of quantum measurements, and developing or enhancing calibration sequences for superconducting (SC) quantum processors. This position requires close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including analog and digital signal engineers, experimental and theoretical physicists, and software developers, in a fast‑paced environment. Strong communication skills, technical rigor, and a high sense of ownership are essential.

Required education

Master's Degree

Preferred education

Doctorate Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

Strong track record in quantum measurement techniques, with working knowledge in characterizing:
- Coherence times, spectral frequencies, coupling strengths
- Coherent vs. incoherent errors and processes
- Using Error‑amplification or related techniques
Excellent coding skills in Python, including for data analysis.
Experience with RF/microwave characterization or design, such as:
- device‑level, PCB‑level, or wiring‑level design and/or measurement.

Preferred technical and professional experience

Experimental research experience with superconducting qubits, especially in measurement and/or characterization.
Experience using agentic AI coding tools.
Cryogenic RF/microwave design and characterization experience.
Experience optimizing quantum device performance and calibration.
Experience with dynamic decoupling sequences.
Experience automating measurements through software.
Experience working with theorists.
Experience with simulation of:
- Hamiltonian dynamics and/or
- Open‑quantum‑system dynamics.
Experience analyzing or simulating analog electrical‑circuit response.
Experience with quantum circuits (e.g., Qiskit).

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you’ll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you’ll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM’s greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we’re also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it’s time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

Job Title

Quantum System Performance Scientist

City / Township / Village

Yorktown Heights, New York

State / Province

New York

Country

United States

Work arrangement

Onsite

Area of work

Research