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Quantum Research Scientist, Processor Test & Measurement, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon Pasadena, California, United States

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Salary: $136,000 - $184,000 / year

Posted Feb 5, 2026

Role & seniority: Quantum Research Scientist (senior-level) in AWS Center for Quantum Computing, Pasadena, CA

Stack/tools: Experimental measurement techniques; superconducting qubits; cavity/circuit QED; microwave control; quantum processor bring-up; data analysis and modeling; scientific programming environment

Top 3 responsibilities

  • Develop and test novel calibration and optimization tools for Quantum Error Correction on large-scale quantum processors

  • Conduct high-impact research that intersects with engineering roadmap; interpret data via theory/simulation

  • Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and materials scientists; communicate results effectively

Must-have skills

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

  • 3+ years characterizing quantum systems through measurement; ability to validate/interpret data with theory or simulation

  • Proficient in a scientific programming environment

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

Nice-to-haves

  • Expertise in superconducting qubits, cavity/circuit QED, and microwave control

  • Knowledge of two-qubit gate dynamics, readout modeling, and low-level pulse optimization

  • Experience with automated quantum processor bring-up and optimization for QEC

Location & work type: Los Angeles County, Pasadena, CA; full-time, on-site (US export-control eligibility required)

Full Description

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire a Quantum Research Scientist in the Processor Test and Measurement group. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of theoretical and experimental physicists, materials scientists, and hardware and software engineers working at the forefront of quantum computing. You should have a deep and broad knowledge of experimental measurement techniques.

Candidates with a track record of original scientific contributions will be preferred. We are looking for candidates with strong engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. Working effectively within a team environment is essential. As a research scientist you will be expected to work on new ideas and stay abreast of the field of experimental quantum computation.

Key job responsibilities We are looking to hire a Research Scientist to develop and test novel calibration and optimization tools for Quantum Error Correction on large scale quantum processors. You will be on a team of engineers and scientists at the frontier of quantum processor control and error correction. You are expected to take part in high-impact research projects that intersect with our engineering roadmap. We are looking for candidates with strong engineering principles and resourcefulness. Organization and communication skills are essential.

A day in the life

About the team 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.

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

  • 3 years experience characterizing quantum systems through measurement, with

  • demonstrated ability to validate and interpret data using theory or simulation

  • tools

  • Proficient in a scientific programming environment

  • Experience working on multi-team, cross-disciplinary project Preferred

Qualifications: - Expertise in superconducting qubits, cavity/circuit QED, and microwave control of superconducting circuits

  • Knowledge of two-qubit gate dynamics, readout modeling techniques, and

  • low-level pulse optimization

  • Experience with automated quantum processor bring-up and optimization for QEC

  • applications

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

[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

[https: //amazon.jobs/en/benefits].

USA, CA, Pasadena - 136,000.00 - 184,000.00 USD annually

Experimental Measurement TechniquesQuantum Error CorrectionScientific ProgrammingSuperconducting QubitsMicrowave ControlData ValidationProblem SolvingCommunication SkillsTeam CollaborationResourcefulnessEngineering PrinciplesCalibration ToolsOptimization ToolsCavity QEDReadout ModelingPulse Optimizationmulti-location

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