Job Abstract

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 quantum processors. We are looking to hire a Quantum Research Scientist who will apply their expertise in materials characterization to the optimization of fabricated superconducting quantum devices. In this role, you are expected to lead and assist research projects that are aligned with our Centers technical roadmap. You will develop new ideas and design experiments aimed at identifying the most promising material systems, characterization techniques, and integration processes for superconducting circuit applications.

Key job responsibilities
- Conduct experimental studies on the fundamental properties of superconducting, semiconducting, and dielectric thin films
- Develop and implement multi-technique materials characterization workflows for thin films and devices, with a focus on the surfaces and interfaces
- Work closely with other research scientists on the Materials team to develop material processes directed toward optimizing thin film properties, controlling the surface chemistry and morphology, and impacting device performance
- Identify materials properties (chemical, structural, electronic, electrical) that can be a reliable proxy for the performance of superconducting qubits and microwave resonators
- Communicate engineering and scientific findings to teammates, the broader CQC and, when appropriate, publish findings in scientific journals

A day in the life
AWS Utility Computing (UC) provides product innovations from foundational services such as Amazons Simple Storage Service (S3) and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), to consistently released new product innovations that continue to set AWSs services and features apart in the industry. As a member of the UC organization, youll support the development and management of Compute, Database, Storage, Internet of Things (Iot), Platform, and Productivity Apps services in AWS, including support for customers who require specialized security solutions for their cloud services.

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, hasnt followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, dont let it stop you from applying.

Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the worlds most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating thats 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
Here at AWS, its in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (gender diversity) conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

Mentorship & Career Growth
Were continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earths Best Employer. Thats why youll 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, theres nothing we cant achieve in the cloud.

Hybrid Work
We value innovation and recognize this sometimes requires uninterrupted time to focus on a build. We also value in-person collaboration and time spent face-to-face. Our team affords employees options to work in the office every day or in a flexible, hybrid work model near one of our U.S. Amazon offices.

About the team
Our 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 fabricated devices for quantum computing experiments.

We are open to hiring candidates to work out of one of the following locations:

Pasadena, CA, USA

- PhD in materials science, physics, applied physics, or a related field in science or engineering
- A demonstrated track record of original, impactful work centered around the characterization of materials
- Expertise in XPS, TEM, and two or more of the following characterization techniques: XRD, EELS, nano IR, SIMS, AFM, SEM, FIB, RBS, PPMS
- Experience with using materials characterization for optimization of product performance or for quality control
- Proficient in a scientific programming environment (i.e., one or more of Python, Julia, MATLAB, Mathematica)

- Research experience with superconducting materials
- Familiarity with superconducting circuits for quantum computing applications
- Experience with designing, modifying, and/or maintaining characterization equipment
- Comfortable working in a diverse group and contributing to an inclusive culture, alongside other engineers, scientists and technicians who have a wide range of technical skill levels
- Thrives in a collaborative environment

Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.amazon.jobs/en/disability/us.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $136,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $212,800/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.