Materials Simulations and Characterization Senior Research Scientist, Materials Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon logo

Amazon

full-time

Posted: July 21, 2025

Number of Vacancies: 1

Job Description

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) 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. You will be joining a team located in Pasadena, CA that conducts materials research to improve the performance of superconducting quantum processors. We seek a Quantum Research Scientist to investigate how material defects affect qubit performance. In this role, you will combine expertise in numerical simulations and materials characterization to study materials loss mechanisms such as two-level systems, quasiparticles, vortices, etc. Key job responsibilitiesProvide subject matter expertise on integrated experimental and computational studies of materials defectsDevelop and use computational tools for large-scale simulations of disordered structuresDevelop and implement multi-technique materials characterization workflows for thin films and devices, with a focus on the surfaces and interfacesIdentify material properties that can be a reliable proxy for the performance of superconducting resonators and qubitsCommunicate findings to teammates, the broader CQC team and, when appropriate, publish findings in scientific journalsA day in the lifeAt the AWS CQC, we understand that developing quantum computing technology is a marathon, not a sprint. The work/life integration within our team encourages a culture where employees work hard and also have ownership over their downtime.We are committed to the growth and development of every employee at the AWS CQC, and that includes our research scientists. You will receive management and mentorship from within the team that is geared toward career growth, and also have the opportunity to participate in Amazon's mentorship programs for scientists and engineers. Working closely with other quantum research scientists in other disciplines – like design, measurement and cryogenic hardware – will provide opportunities to dive deep into an education on quantum computing.About the teamOur team contributes to the fabrication of processors and other hardware that enable quantum computing technologies. Doing that necessitates the development of materials with tailored properties for superconducting circuits. Research Scientists and Engineers on the Materials team operate deposition and characterization systems in order to develop and optimize thin film processes for use in these devices. They work alongside other Research Scientists and Engineers to help deliver the fabricated devices for quantum computing experiments.Export Control Requirement:Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be able to obtain a U.S export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.

Locations

  • United States, CA, Pasadena, Pasadena, CA, United States

Salary

Salary not disclosed

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

180,000 - 250,000 USD / yearly

Source: ai estimated

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Required Qualifications

  • - PhD in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a related field in science or engineering (degree in physics)
  • - Expertise in numerical simulations and characterization of materials (experience)
  • - A demonstrated track record of original, impactful work in relevant areas of physics or materials science (experience)
  • - Excellent skills in problem solving, organization, and communication (experience)
  • - Proficient in a scientific programming environment (i.e., one or more of Python, Julia, MATLAB, Mathematica) (experience)

Preferred Qualifications

  • - Experience developing physics-based models to study structure-property-function relationships (experience)
  • - Research experience with disorder and defects (experience)
  • - Experience modeling amorphous materials (experience)
  • - Experience using high-performance computing systems (HPC) for research activities (experience)
  • - Experience using machine learning and AI frameworks (experience)
  • - Familiarity with superconducting materials and superconducting quantum computing circuits (experience)
  • 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. (experience)
  • Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $143,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $247,600/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site. (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Provide subject matter expertise on integrated experimental and computational studies of materials defects
  • Develop and use computational tools for large-scale simulations of disordered structures
  • Develop and implement multi-technique materials characterization workflows for thin films and devices, with a focus on the surfaces and interfaces
  • Identify material properties that can be a reliable proxy for the performance of superconducting resonators and qubits
  • Communicate findings to teammates, the broader CQC team and, when appropriate, publish findings in scientific journals

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Materials Simulations and Characterization Senior Research Scientist, Materials Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon logo

Amazon

full-time

Posted: July 21, 2025

Number of Vacancies: 1

Job Description

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) 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. You will be joining a team located in Pasadena, CA that conducts materials research to improve the performance of superconducting quantum processors. We seek a Quantum Research Scientist to investigate how material defects affect qubit performance. In this role, you will combine expertise in numerical simulations and materials characterization to study materials loss mechanisms such as two-level systems, quasiparticles, vortices, etc. Key job responsibilitiesProvide subject matter expertise on integrated experimental and computational studies of materials defectsDevelop and use computational tools for large-scale simulations of disordered structuresDevelop and implement multi-technique materials characterization workflows for thin films and devices, with a focus on the surfaces and interfacesIdentify material properties that can be a reliable proxy for the performance of superconducting resonators and qubitsCommunicate findings to teammates, the broader CQC team and, when appropriate, publish findings in scientific journalsA day in the lifeAt the AWS CQC, we understand that developing quantum computing technology is a marathon, not a sprint. The work/life integration within our team encourages a culture where employees work hard and also have ownership over their downtime.We are committed to the growth and development of every employee at the AWS CQC, and that includes our research scientists. You will receive management and mentorship from within the team that is geared toward career growth, and also have the opportunity to participate in Amazon's mentorship programs for scientists and engineers. Working closely with other quantum research scientists in other disciplines – like design, measurement and cryogenic hardware – will provide opportunities to dive deep into an education on quantum computing.About the teamOur team contributes to the fabrication of processors and other hardware that enable quantum computing technologies. Doing that necessitates the development of materials with tailored properties for superconducting circuits. Research Scientists and Engineers on the Materials team operate deposition and characterization systems in order to develop and optimize thin film processes for use in these devices. They work alongside other Research Scientists and Engineers to help deliver the fabricated devices for quantum computing experiments.Export Control Requirement:Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be able to obtain a U.S export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.

Locations

  • United States, CA, Pasadena, Pasadena, CA, United States

Salary

Salary not disclosed

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

180,000 - 250,000 USD / yearly

Source: ai estimated

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Required Qualifications

  • - PhD in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a related field in science or engineering (degree in physics)
  • - Expertise in numerical simulations and characterization of materials (experience)
  • - A demonstrated track record of original, impactful work in relevant areas of physics or materials science (experience)
  • - Excellent skills in problem solving, organization, and communication (experience)
  • - Proficient in a scientific programming environment (i.e., one or more of Python, Julia, MATLAB, Mathematica) (experience)

Preferred Qualifications

  • - Experience developing physics-based models to study structure-property-function relationships (experience)
  • - Research experience with disorder and defects (experience)
  • - Experience modeling amorphous materials (experience)
  • - Experience using high-performance computing systems (HPC) for research activities (experience)
  • - Experience using machine learning and AI frameworks (experience)
  • - Familiarity with superconducting materials and superconducting quantum computing circuits (experience)
  • 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. (experience)
  • Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $143,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $247,600/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site. (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Provide subject matter expertise on integrated experimental and computational studies of materials defects
  • Develop and use computational tools for large-scale simulations of disordered structures
  • Develop and implement multi-technique materials characterization workflows for thin films and devices, with a focus on the surfaces and interfaces
  • Identify material properties that can be a reliable proxy for the performance of superconducting resonators and qubits
  • Communicate findings to teammates, the broader CQC team and, when appropriate, publish findings in scientific journals

Target Your Resume for "Materials Simulations and Characterization Senior Research Scientist, Materials Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing"

Get personalized recommendations to optimize your resume specifically for Materials Simulations and Characterization Senior Research Scientist, Materials Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing. Our AI analyzes job requirements and tailors your resume to maximize your chances.

Keyword optimization
Skills matching
Experience alignment

Check Your ATS Score for "Materials Simulations and Characterization Senior Research Scientist, Materials Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing"

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Detailed feedback
Improvement tips

Documents

Tags & Categories

aws.team-generative-aiamazon.artificial-intelligenceaws.team-utility-computingaws.team-quantumResearch Science