May 22, 2025

Materials Characterization Engineer, Materials Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Mid • On-site

$105,600 - $185,000/yr

Pasadena, CA

DESCRIPTION

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) is a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians on a mission to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

You will be joining a team located in Pasadena, CA that develops and characterizes materials to improve the performance of quantum processors. We are looking to hire a Hardware Development Engineer who will apply their expertise in materials characterization and metrology to probe the quality of surfaces and interfaces of superconducting quantum devices. Through routine monitoring of the chemical, morphological, and structural properties of materials, you will solve problems related to material processes and device fabrication.

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, including support for customers who require specialized security solutions for their cloud services.

*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.

*Diverse Experiences*
Amazon 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.

*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.

*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 (gender diversity) conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

*Mentorship and 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.

Key job responsibilities
* Develop and implement materials characterization workflows for thin films and devices
* Work inside and outside of the cleanroom with other scientists and engineers to identify material and fabrication specifications that can be a reliable proxy for device yield and performance
* Contribute to maintaining and upgrading characterization equipment
* Communicate engineering and scientific findings to teammates and the broader CQC team

A day in the life
At the AWS CQC, we understand that developing quantum computing technology is a marathon, not a sprint. The work/life integration within our team encourages a culture where employees work hard and also have ownership over their downtime.

We are committed to the growth and development of every employee at the AWS CQC, and that includes our research scientists. You will receive management and mentorship from within the team that is geared toward career growth, and also have the opportunity to participate in Amazon's mentorship programs for scientists and engineers. Working closely with other quantum research scientists in other disciplines – like design, measurement and cryogenic hardware – will provide opportunities to dive deep into an education on quantum computing.

About the team
Our team contributes to the fabrication of processors and other hardware that enable quantum computing technologies. Doing that necessitates the development of materials with tailored properties for superconducting circuits. Research Scientists and Engineers on the Materials team operate deposition and characterization systems in order to develop and optimize thin film processes for use in these devices. They work alongside other Research Scientists and Engineers to help deliver the fabricated devices for quantum computing experiments.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- BS in materials science, physics, applied physics, or a related field in science or engineering
- Expertise in SEM, EDX, FIB, and in one or more of the following characterization techniques: AFM, nano-IR, XPS, SIMS, XRD, XRR
- Demonstrated track record of original, impactful work centered around the characterization of materials and failure analysis
- Experience with using materials characterization for optimization of product performance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Advanced degree in materials science, physics, applied physics, or a related field in science or engineering
- Proficiency in a scientific programming environment (i.e., one or more of Python, Julia, MATLAB, Mathematica)
- Experience with characterization of superconducting materials
- Experience with designing, modifying, and/or maintaining characterization equipment
- Familiarity with thin-film deposition and semiconductor fabrication processes
- Comfortable working in a diverse group and contributing to an inclusive culture, alongside other engineers, scientists and technicians who have a wide range of technical skill levels

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 $105,600/year in our lowest geographic market up to $185,000/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.