The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) in Pasadena CA is looking to hire an Applied Scientist focused on development of methods and tools for simulating quantum processor devices. In this role you will develop and apply numerical methods and software tools that address simulation problems in quantum processor design and characterization. You will be joining a multi-disciplinary team of scientists engineers and technicians all working at the forefront of quantum computing and will have an opportunity to make an enduring impact on the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers.
The ideal candidate should have a track record of significant technical contributions to scientific software packages and have deep expertise in developing and applying numerical methods to simulate quantum many-body systems in the context of quantum processor development.
Key job responsibilities
As an applied scientist in this role you will research and investigate solutions to simulation problems in quantum processor design and characterization communicating your findings to colleagues and delivering recommendations example of best practices and high-quality software implementations to be used across the CQC.
You should thrive in ambiguous environments that require you to tackle problems that have not been solved before. You are able to apply strong engineering principles while maintaining scientific rigor. Your excellent written and verbal communication skills enable you to explain your work to software engineers or scientists with different backgrounds to your own.
A day in the life
- Collaborate with designers device theorists and measurement scientists to identify high-impact modeling and simulation problems in quantum processor design and characterization
- Research and develop methods and algorithms that could enable or improve our workflows
- Write up your findings and discuss them with scientists and software developers
- Develop and test high-quality implementations demonstrating them for target applications
- Stay on top of the latest developments in software and algorithms
- Attend regular seminars and discussions with Caltech scientists
- PhD or Masters degree and 5 years of science technology engineering or related field experience
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience with programming languages such as Python Java C
- Experience implementing algorithms using both toolkits and self-developed code
- Experience with any of the following: modeling quantum devices using circuit Quantum Electrodynamics numerical simulation of quantum many-body systems application of machine-learning methods and tools to science or engineering problems
- Experience in professional software development
- Experience applying theoretical models in an applied environment
- Fluency in Python Julia C or Rust
- Experience with QuTiP scQubits SQcircuit or related software packages
- Experience with using JAX PyTorch or other python-based solutions for automatic differentiation or GPU acceleration of self-developed linear algebra code
- Experience in any of the following areas: quantization of superconducting circuits simulation of quantum real-time dynamics under fast driving disorder and localization in quantum many-body systems variational quantum states such as tensor networks Hamiltonian inference characterization and calibration of quantum processors surrogate modeling (e.g. using gaussian processes neural networks) of quantum devices
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 Companys 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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Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $136000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $223400/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 This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.