Applied Scientist, Processor, Center Quantum Computing

Position: Applied Scientist, Processor, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing
Description

The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist in the Processor Test and Measurement group. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of theoretical and experimental physicists, materials scientists, and hardware and software engineers working at the forefront of quantum computing. This role focuses on the verification and validation of the circuit components that make up a quantum error correction (QEC) code - such as gates, reset, and readout - and on understanding how the performance of those components contributes to overall QEC performance.

We are looking for someone who enjoys connecting component-level measurements to integrated system behavior, and who is motivated by working across teams to understand it. Much of the work involves partnering with processor design, theory, and QEC colleagues to validate that new devices behave as their Hamiltonians predict, and to explore the gaps when they don't. A comfort with error budgeting - reasoning about where component performance comes from and what limits it - is central to the role.

Candidates with a track record of original scientific contributions will be preferred. We value strong engineering principles, resourcefulness, problem solving, and clear communication, along with the ability to work effectively within a team. As an Applied Scientist you will have the opportunity to pursue new ideas and stay abreast of the field of experimental quantum computation.

Key job responsibilities

We are looking to hire an Applied Scientist to help verify and validate the circuit components of our error-corrected quantum processors and to understand how their performance maps to QEC requirements. Depending on background and interest, the work may include:

- Collaborating with theory and processor design teams to develop experimental test plans that validate new processor designs and check that fabricated devices meet their intent.

- Characterizing the building blocks of a QEC code and building error budgets that explain and bound their performance.

- Designing experiments that help separate effects such as crosstalk and spectator interactions from intrinsic component performance.

- Prototyping calibration and measurement approaches that can later be matured for automated, large-scale processor bring-up and QEC demonstrations.

- Investigating discrepancies between measured and expected behavior, and feeding what you learn back into design and theory.

You will have the opportunity to take part in high-impact research projects that intersect with our engineering roadmap, working closely with processor, theory, and QEC stakeholders so that component-level decisions are informed by overall system performance.

A day in the life

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.

Inclusive Team Culture

Here at Amazon, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and Amaze Con conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

Diverse Experiences

Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.

Mentorship & Career Growth

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Work/Life Balance

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