Sr. Research Scientist

Sr. Research Scientist , Quantum Computing
Job ID: 3094957 | Amazon Development Center U.S., Inc.
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire a Quantum Research Scientist in the Fabrication 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 device fabrication 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
In this role, you will drive improvements in qubit performance by characterizing the impact of environmental and material noise on qubit dynamics. This will require designing experiments to assess the role of specific noise sources, ensuring the collection of statistically significant data through automation, analyzing the results, and preparing clear summaries for the team. Finally, you will work with hardware engineers, material scientists, and circuit designers to implement changes which mitigate the impact of the most significant noise sources.
About the team
Why AWS?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 CultureAWS 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 ExperiencesAWS 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 GrowthWe’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.
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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

Master's degree, or PhD and 5+ years of quantitative field research experience
Broad experience in fabrication and measurement techniques with ability to learn new topics as needed
5+ years of relevant experience working in a cleanroom environment
5+ years of hands‑on experience with electron beam lithography; photolithography; wafer-level wet/dry etching techniques; wafer cleaning and lift‑off techniques; thin film deposition techniques (e.g., PECVD, LPCVD, ALD, evaporation, sputtering, and furnace oxidation); semiconductor and thin film metrology techniques (e.g., AFM, SEM, XPS, EDX, profilometry, reflectometry, and ellipsometry)
Effective at managing multiple tasks/projects and working independently or within a team environment with other scientists, engineers, and technicians who might have a wide range of technical skill levels

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of R, MATLAB, Python or similar scripting language
Familiarity with superconducting quantum computing components, fabrication, and packaging techniques
8+ years of relevant industry experience working in a cleanroom environment
Hands‑on experience with electroplating; wafer thinning; chemical mechanical polishing; wafer level and flip‑chip packaging techniques; temporary and permanent wafer level bonding; 2.5/3D integration schemes
Experience in performing failure analysis and root cause investigation for process excursions
Working knowledge of statistical analysis and design of experiments using JMP or Minitab
Experience in yield monitoring, statistical process control, and demonstrating process capability

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 $143,300/year in our lowest geographic market up to $247,600/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.
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Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
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