Applied Scientist, Materials Characterization and Simulations, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing

The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist on the Materials team, focused on understanding and mitigating materials-driven loss mechanisms in superconducting quantum processors. 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. You should have deep expertise in materials characterization and computational modeling of disordered solids, with the ability to connect atomic-scale insights to materials design.

Candidates with a track record of original scientific contributions in experimental and computational studies of materials defects will be preferred. We are looking for candidates with strong scientific and engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. As an Applied Scientist at CQC, you will be expected to drive materials research from characterization through design recommendations and stay abreast of advances in materials science for superconducting quantum hardware.

Key job responsibilities
You will combine materials characterization and numerical simulations to investigate how material defects affect qubit performance. This includes implementing multi-technique characterization workflows for thin films and interfaces, providing input on the design of materials with targeted properties, and developing computational tools for simulations of disordered structures. You will provide characterization support for the Fabrication team, investigating materials sources of loss in production-relevant films and processes. You will coordinate with cross-functional teams to translate materials insights into actionable process improvements, and publish results in scientific journals when appropriate.

Basic Qualifications

- PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics or equivalent
- Expertise in materials characterization techniques
- Experience with computational modeling of materials or disordered systems

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience successfully delivering on projects as part of a cross-team collaboration
- Proficient in a scientific programming environment
- Expertise in superconductivity theory and sources of dissipation in superconducting quantum devices
- Familiarity with thin-film deposition, surface preparation, or semiconductor fabrication processes
- Track record of translating materials research into actionable process or design recommendations

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.

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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 - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually