Quantum Applied Scientist

Job Description

Job Title: Quantum Applied Scientist, Simulation Methods and Tools. Location: Pasadena, California, USA

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians at the forefront of quantum research, helping improve device modeling, simulation accuracy, and performance.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement software tools and numerical methods for simulating quantum devices at the circuit-QED level.
• Compute and analyze device parameters such as frequencies, coupling strengths, and gate error budgets.
• Collaborate with theorists, designers, and experimentalists to solve high-impact modeling and simulation problems.
• Conduct research on simulation-based solutions for quantum processor design and characterization;
• Communicate research findings, methodologies, and results to teams with varied technical backgrounds.
• Write and maintain scientific software packages and contribute to workflow improvement;
• Stay current with the latest developments in quantum simulation algorithms, modeling methods, and numerical techniques.
• Participate in discussions and seminars with Caltech scientists and AWS researchers.

Qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience in science, technology, or engineering.
• Proven research record through patents or publications in peer-reviewed journals or conferences.
• Strong programming experience in Python, Java, or C++;
• Experience implementing algorithms using both toolkits and custom code.
• Expertise in at least one of the following areas:
  • Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics (cQED) modeling.
  • Simulation of quantum many-body systems.
  • Applying machine learning tools to scientific or engineering problems.

Preferred:

• Experience in professional scientific software development.
• Applied knowledge of theoretical models in real-world systems.
• Proficiency in Python, Julia, C++, or Rust;
• Familiarity with simulation frameworks such as QuTiP, QuantumOptics.jl, scQubits, or SQcircuit.
• Experience using JAX or PyTorch for GPU acceleration and automatic differentiation.
• Understanding of topics such as superconducting circuit quantization, quantum dynamics simulation, or Hamiltonian inference.
• Exposure to surrogate modeling using Gaussian processes or neural networks.

Benefits and Work Culture:

• Competitive base pay ranging from $136,000 to $223,400 per year, depending on experience and location.
• Additional compensation through equity, sign-on bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.
• Inclusive work culture that values diverse experiences and encourages applicants from nontraditional backgrounds.
• Mentorship and career development programs to help employees grow professionally.
• Work-life balance initiatives that promote flexibility and personal well-being;
• Support for employees with disabilities or accommodation needs during the application or onboarding process.

Eligibility and Export Control: Candidates must meet U.S. export control requirements, including citizenship, permanent residency, refugee, or asylum status, or eligibility to obtain a U.S. export license.