Applied Scientist - Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing, Amazon Braket

Amazon Braket is investing in fault-tolerant quantum computing capabilities. We are looking for an Applied Scientist to own resource estimation and workload benchmarking for fault-tolerant quantum workloads on AWS. You will answer the fundamental questions: how many physical qubits are needed, what gate depths are achievable, and what error budgets are realistic for a given algorithm on a given device. Your models will inform technical decisions, customer conversations, and our roadmap.

This role requires more than resource estimation methodology alone. You need a broad foundation in quantum error correction research to reason about the full picture: how code choices affect resource requirements, how logical circuit structure impacts physical costs, and how benchmarking results feed back into the system. You will be part of a small team of scientists and engineers, and we expect you to codify your solutions in production-quality code and contribute directly to the codebase alongside your teammates.

Key job responsibilities

- Build and maintain FTQC resource estimation models that determine qubit counts, gate depths, and error budgets for target algorithms

- Develop benchmarking frameworks that evaluate compilation quality against realistic hardware constraints

- Produce resource estimates that inform technical decisions and feed into customer readiness work led by the Applications & Engagement team

- Collaborate with the QEC compilation scientists on how resource estimates feed back into code selection and optimization

- Connect benchmarking outputs to published materials in coordination with Braket's science and product teams

- Stay current with the rapidly evolving QEC literature and incorporate new results into estimation models

About the team

Diverse Experiences

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Basic qualifications

- Knowledge of programming languages such as C/C++, Python, Java or Perl

- PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field with focus on quantum computing

- Research background in quantum error correction (not limited to resource estimation alone)

- Experience building computational models for quantum systems

- Strong programming skills in Python; familiarity with at least one compiled language (C++, Rust, or Julia) for performance-sensitive implementations

- Familiarity with QEC concepts: error correction codes, logical operations, decoding strategies

Preferred qualifications

- Experience with resource estimation for fault-tolerant quantum algorithms (e.g., using tools like Microsoft QRE, or custom estimation frameworks)

- Background in error correction code analysis and logical circuit design

- Experience benchmarking quantum hardware or quantum software toolchains

- Familiarity with multiple qubit modalities (superconducting, trapped ion, or neutral atom)

- Publications in resource estimation, QEC, or fault-tolerant quantum computation

- Experience translating technical results into customer-facing communications or product definitions

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

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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, NY, New York - 172,400.00 - 223,400.00 USD annually