Senior Applied Scientist, Center for Quantum Computing: Device Team

Amazon; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 167,000 - 226,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

RSUs and stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Amazon Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) in Pasadena seeks a Senior Quantum Applied Scientist to lead simulations, design and measurement of superconducting qubits, and to drive device performance improvements across cross-functional teams.

You will bridge design, simulation, and experimental results, communicating complex findings to engineers and researchers, while exploring innovative directions for fault-tolerant quantum devices.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or an equivalent degree.
• 5+ years of related experience.
• Experience bridging design, simulation, and measurement.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulations to predict device performance, then design and measure devices that leverage the understood scalings.
• Reduce the gap between simulated predictions and measurements by building more accurate models.
• 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 design decisions.

Skills

Quantum physics

Microwave engineering

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Experimental design and measurements

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in Physics

Tools

Python

Matlab

Job description

As a Senior Quantum Applied Scientist on our Device team, you will be a technical authority and driving force in the design and measurements of novel superconducting qubits. You will lead detailed simulation and measurement efforts to explain experimental results, inform new qubit designs, and optimize device performance, working collaboratively with our design, fabrication, processor, and exploratory research teams. This is a role with significant room for innovation: you will play a key role in finding paths towards more performant devices.

We are looking for a seasoned researcher with deep expertise in superconducting circuit physics plus a proven track record of bridging design, simulation, and measurement. 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 simulations to predict device performance, then design and measure devices that leverage the understood scalings.
• Reduce the gap between simulated predictions and measurements by building more accurate models.
• 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 design 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience working on multi-team, cross-disciplinary projects.
• Expertise in superconducting circuit design, as well as microwave engineering.
• A demonstrated track record of original, impactful research in quantum physics.
• Proficiency in a scientific programming environment.
• PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or an equivalent degree in a similar field, and 5+ years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in superconducting qubits and their core operations — gates, readout, reset, etc.
• Familiarity with bosonic codes, erasure/dual-rail qubits, or protected qubits.
• Experience setting technical direction for a research team or initiative.
• Familiarity with quantum error correction and fault tolerant logic.
• Familiarity with the challenges of fabricating superconducting devices.
• Familiarity with cryogenic and RF measurement hardware.

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. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. 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, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, CA, Pasadena - 167,100.00 - 226,100.00 USD annually