Quantum Research Scientist, Quantum error correction team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon

Amazon

Pasadena, CA, USA
USD 136k-212,800 / year + Equity
Posted on May 4, 2025

DESCRIPTION

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire a Quantum Research 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 shoudl 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 a research 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
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
Here at AWS, it’s 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 conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

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 physics, applied physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or an equivalent degree in a similar field
- Demonstrated expertise with quantum error correction
- Strong programming skills in a scientific computing environment
- Proven track record of successful cross-team collaborative projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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.

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.