Senior Qubit Measurement Scientist

HRL Laboratories, LLC; Malibu (CA); On-site; USD 172,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401K match

Gym facilities

PTO

Sick time

Upward mobility

Job summary

HRL Laboratories in California seeks a PhD-level quantum device scientist to lead cryogenic spin qubit experiments and advance system performance. You will apply deep qubit physics knowledge to automated tune-ups, develop ML-based workflows, and architect Python automation for hardware control and data analysis.

The role emphasizes leadership in experimental direction, rigorous data analysis, and communication of results to guide device development. Doctoral expertise is required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with specialization in quantum devices or quantum technologies.
• Deep understanding of qubit device physics with cryogenic measurement platforms and qubit control systems.
• Strong Python skills for scientific programming, automation, ML workflows, and hardware interfacing.
• Ability to lead technical initiatives and standardize automation in hardware environments.
• Expertise in analog electronics troubleshooting, precision noise analysis, and advanced characterization techniques.
• Strong communication skills demonstrated by presentations, documentation, and publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of low-noise, cryogenic experiments on spin qubit devices to advance performance.
• Apply deep knowledge of qubit physics to develop automated tune-up methodologies for scalability.
• Develop characterization techniques and ML-based optimization workflows for measurements.
• Architect and maintain Python-driven automation for hardware control, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Operate and troubleshoot complex cryogenic and measurement systems to ensure uptime.
• Collaborate with measurement system teams to improve qubit control hardware and interconnects.
• Produce technical presentations and reports to communicate results and guide decisions.
• Shape experimental strategy through data-driven analysis and strong technical judgment.

Skills

Qubit device physics

Cryogenic measurement platforms

Python

Automation development

Machine learning workflows

Hardware interfacing

Technical leadership

Analog electronics troubleshooting

Precision noise analysis

Characterization techniques

Technical writing

Publications

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with specialization in quantum devices or quantum technologies

Tools

Python-driven automation

Job description

HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real-world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

Qubit Systems Laboratory (QSL) is a world leader in semiconductor spin qubits. Our broad expertise spans semiconductor growth, device design and modeling, cryogenic control, high-density interconnects and packaging, quantum architecture, and multiqubit demonstrations. Our system architecture is built entirely around scalable semiconductor manufacturing to make quantum computing affordable for practical business and scientific applications.

Essential Duties

• Lead the design and execution of low noise, cryogenic experiments on spin qubit devices to advance system performance and measurement reliability.
• Apply deep knowledge of qubit device physics to create next generation automated qubit tune up methodologies that improve scalability and repeatability.
• Develop and integrate advanced characterization techniques and machine learning based optimization workflows into standard measurement processes.
• Architect, deploy, and maintain Python driven automation for hardware control, data acquisition, and analysis to support consistent, high quality experimental operations.
• Operate and troubleshoot complex integrated cryogenic and measurement systems, ensuring stability, uptime, and effective performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with measurement system engineering teams to identify and implement improvements to qubit control hardware, interconnect architectures, and environmental subsystems.
• Produce clear technical presentations, analyses, and reports to communicate results and guide decision making.
• Shape experimental strategy and device development direction through data driven insight, rigorous analysis, and strong technical judgment.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with specialization in quantum devices or quantum technologies.
• Deep understanding of qubit device physics, supported by experience working with cryogenic measurement platforms and qubit control systems.
• Strong Python skills for scientific programming, automation development, machine learning workflows, and hardware interfacing.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives, drive experimental direction, and implement standardized automation in hardware environments.
• Expertise in analog electronics troubleshooting, precision noise analysis, and advanced characterization techniques.
• Strong communication skills evidenced through presentations, technical documentation, and peer reviewed publications.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to climb ladders to use elevated test equipment. Must be able to work safely in a laboratory environment. Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods.

Special Requirements:

US Person Status Required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range: $172,200 - $221,600
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

• Benefits HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: https://www.hrl.com/careers/benefits

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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