Research Scientist, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) is developing fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware to bring quantum computing services to AWS’ customers. We are seeking to hire a Research Scientist to develop quantum computing system modeling and optimization capabilities, covering aspects of system specification and architectural, functional, and physical design. You will integrate prototype models developed by domain experts across the quantum computing stack into a common library for system modeling. You will assist in maintaining and updating these models as our understanding improves through experimental feedback and theoretical investigation. You will develop surrogate models and proxy metrics as needed to enable making speed/quality tradeoffs in the system modeling process. If successful, your work will be able to inform future architecture decisions, facilitate trade studies, identify scaling bottlenecks, and influence leaders where to make technical investments. A successful candidate will have experience with research software development and techniques such as differentiable programming, probabilistic programming, multi-objective optimization, multi-disciplinary design optimization, and surrogate modeling.

Key job responsibilities
- leverage software libraries for machine learning, optimization, and workflow orchestration to build system modeling capabilities
- integrate modeling and simulation capabilities developed by yourself and others into a common library you maintain
- seek to understand and improve our system modeling abstractions
- develop surrogate models and proxy metrics using detailed models developed by domain experts, to enable speed/quality tradeoffs in system modeling
- explore, benchmark, and integrate new modeling frameworks and techniques as appropriate
- work with software development teams when infrastructure improvements are required, and to develop dashboards exposing modeling tradeoffs

About the team
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 U.S export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.

Diverse Experiences
AWS values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 U.S export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.- PhD, or Master's degree and 5+ years of experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Proficiency programming in Python, Julia, or related languages
- Proven track record of publications, talks, patents, open source contributions, etc.- Familiarity with quantum computing applications, quantum error correction, and quantum device physics
- Familiarity with system modeling and design optimization as applied to classical computer architecture and VLSI physical design
- Experience using machine learning and optimization frameworks such as JAX, PyTorch, BoTorch, PyMC
- Experience creating and integrating differentiable surrogate models into a common simulation library
- Experience with multi-objective optimization and multi-disciplinary design optimization
- Experience with parallel/distributed computing or high-performance computing

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.