Applied Scientist, Quantum error correction team, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing

The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist in the Quantum Error Correction Theory Team. You will be joining a multi-disciplinary team of scientists working at the forefront of quantum computing.

The ideal candidate should posses comprehensive knowledge of quantum fault tolerance theory, including:

- Topological, concatenated and low density parity check codes

- Quantum decoding algorithms

- Fault-tolerant logical protocols

You will contribute to developing hardware-aware fault-tolerant protocols and software tools for performance analysis under realistic noise models, helping guide our organization toward delivering a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

Key job responsibilities

- Design and evaluate novel quantum error correction schemes, including new codes and fault-tolerant protocols

- Research and develop hardware-optimized architectures for fault-tolerant computing

- Drive experimental implementations of quantum fault-tolerance

- Develop simulation and modeling software tools

- Lead high-impact, collaborative research projects aligned with our engineering roadmap

- Apply strong engineering principles while maintaining scientific rigor

A day in the life

Based in Pasadena, CA, you'll work in our purpose-built facility, designed for quantum computing research and development, adjacent to Caltech's campus. As an applied scientist in the quantum error correction team, you will:

- Drive independent research while collaborating on fault tolerance projects within our architecture

- Stay abreadth with current developments in the active field of fault-tolerance through joint Caltech seminars and conference participation

- Partner with experimental scientists to enhance logical performance of quantum processors in a unique opportunity to bridge theory and experiment

- Design error correction schemes optimized for specific quantum algorithms

- Collaborate with control stack engineers to enable increasingly sophisticated fault-tolerance experiments

- Work with systems engineers to identify, understand, and model technical requirements

- Contribute to regular team discussions and joint planning sessions

About the team

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.

Why AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.

AWS Utility Computing (UC) provides product innovations - from foundational services such as Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3) and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), to consistently released new product innovations that continue to set AWS’s services and features apart in the industry. As a member of the UC organization, you’ll support the development and management of Compute, Database, Storage, Internet of Things (Iot), Platform, and Productivity Apps services in AWS. Within AWS UC, Amazon Dedicated Cloud (ADC) roles engage with AWS customers who require specialized security solutions for their cloud services.

Standardized AWS Taglines

About AWS

Diverse Experiences

AWS 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.

Why AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating - that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.

Inclusive Team Culture

AWS values curiosity and connection. Our employee-led and company-sponsored affinity groups promote inclusion and empower our people to take pride in what makes us unique. Our inclusion events foster stronger, more collaborative teams. Our continual innovation is fueled by the bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and passionate voices our teams bring to everything we do.

Diverse Experiences

AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the 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

We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Work/Life Balance

We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.

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 US export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.

Basic qualifications

- Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language

- PhD in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics or physics

- Experience with written and verbal communication and presentation

- Experience working on multi-team, cross-disciplinary projects

- Demonstrated expertise with quantum error correction

Preferred qualifications

- Deep knowledge of quantum codes and protocols

- Experience implementing and simulating fault-tolerant protocols

- Track record of adapting fault-tolerance schemes to hardware constraints

- Experience with fault-tolerant compiling of quantum algorithms

- Publications in the area of quantum error correction or related fields

- Experience with quantum computing software frameworks

- Background in system-level optimization and performance analysis

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.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

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