Quantum Applied Scientist, Simulation Methods and Tools – Amazon – Toronto, ON

At the cutting edge of quantum computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is looking for a Quantum Applied Scientist focused on Simulation Methods and Tools to join the AWS Center for Quantum Computing (CQC). While the CQC is based in Pasadena, California, this posting is open to candidates in Toronto, Ontario, and offers the chance to work at the absolute frontier of fault-tolerant quantum computing alongside a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians.

In this role, you’ll be developing and applying numerical methods and software tools to tackle complex simulation challenges in quantum processor design and characterisation. If you thrive on problems that haven’t been solved before and want your work to have a lasting impact on one of the most transformative technologies of our time, this role deserves a serious look.

About the Role: Quantum Applied Scientist

Simulations are a critical pillar of the CQC’s work. As an Applied Scientist in simulation methods, you’ll build high-quality software tools and numerical methods to simulate quantum processor devices at the circuit-QED level. This means accurately and efficiently computing static and dynamical properties — things like frequencies, coupling strengths, and gate error budgets — that directly feed into device development. Your tools will serve device theorists, designers, and experimentalists on adjacent teams, meaning your work has tangible, immediate impact.

Beyond tool development, you’ll collaborate closely with scientists across specialisations to research and investigate simulation-based solutions to quantum processor design problems. You’ll be expected to communicate your findings clearly in writing and verbally, producing recommendations and best practice examples for audiences ranging from software engineers to scientists from different technical backgrounds. Regular seminars and discussions with Caltech scientists are part of the working culture here.

Benefits and Salary

Amazon offers a competitive total compensation package for this role. The base salary range for this position in Toronto, ON is $149,300 to $249,300 CAD annually, with final compensation determined by experience, qualifications, and location. The package may also include sign-on payments and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, basic life and AD&D), a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (DPSP), paid time off, and additional resources to support health and well-being. Amazon also emphasises work-life balance, mentorship, and career growth as core parts of the employee experience.

Responsibilities

Day-to-day, this role is a blend of research, software development, and cross-functional collaboration. You’ll be identifying high-impact simulation problems, building the tools to solve them, and communicating your findings in ways that move the needle for the broader device development team. The work demands both scientific rigour and strong engineering discipline.

• Collaborate with designers, device theorists, and measurement scientists to identify high-impact modelling and simulation problems in quantum processor design and characterisation
• Research and develop methods and algorithms that enable or improve quantum simulation workflows
• Write up findings and discuss them with scientists and software developers across teams
• Develop and test high-quality implementations, demonstrating them for target applications
• Stay current with the latest developments in quantum simulation software and algorithms
• Attend regular seminars and technical discussions with Caltech scientists
• Build simulation tools that accurately compute device properties such as frequencies, coupling strengths, and gate error budgets at the circuit-QED level

Requirements / Skills

The ideal candidate brings a PhD (or Master’s with substantial experience) in a relevant scientific or engineering field, along with a proven track record of technical contributions to scientific software. Amazon values diverse experiences and encourages candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every preferred qualification — what matters most is the depth of your relevant expertise and your ability to tackle novel problems with rigour.

• PhD, or Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience in science, technology, engineering, or a related field
• Publications or patents at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
• Programming proficiency in Python, Java, or C++ and experience implementing algorithms using both toolkits and self-developed code
• Experience in quantum device modelling using circuit Quantum Electrodynamics, numerical simulation of quantum many-body systems, or application of machine-learning methods to science or engineering problems
• Preferred: Fluency in Python, Julia, C++, or Rust; experience with QuTiP, scQubits, QuantumOptics.jl, SQcircuit, or similar packages
• Preferred: Experience with JAX, PyTorch, or similar tools for automatic differentiation or GPU-accelerated linear algebra
• Preferred: Background in any of the following — quantisation of superconducting circuits, quantum real-time dynamics, Hamiltonian inference, tensor networks, surrogate modelling, or quantum processor calibration

Note: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, lawfully admitted refugee or asylee, or be able to obtain a U.S. export licence.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects your relevant experience in quantum simulation and scientific software development before submitting.

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