Senior Applied Scientist, Materials and Process Development, AWS Center for Quantum Computing
Amazon
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Pasadena, CA · Posted October 14, 2026
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Where Pasadena, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #12Cities hosting the most business conferences in the West Coast4 conferences · of 17
- #14Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the West Coast12% · of 54
- #18Cities where the biggest share of jobs do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast14% · of 53
- #21Best cities for junior jobs in California27% · of 54
- #22Best college towns for junior jobs in the West Coast29% · of 50
- #24Cities hosting the most technology & software conferences2 conferences · of 31
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 36 open senior applied scientist listings that state pay, the middle half runs $188,500 to $218,000 and the median is $202,000.
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Senior Applied Scientist salaries by state · Check your own pay
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Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Amazon has filed 31 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 8,668 workers, most recently November 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings
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About the job
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist on the Materials team, focused on materials integration and process development for superconducting quantum processors. 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 expertise in thin-film deposition, semiconductor integration processes, and materials characterization, with a strong understanding of how device topography and process sequences constrain materials integration choices.
Candidates with a track record in materials integration for superconducting or semiconductor devices at wafer scale will be preferred. We are looking for candidates with strong scientific and engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. As an Applied Scientist at CQC, you will be expected to drive materials integration R&D from process development through hardware demonstration and stay abreast of advances in superconducting materials and semiconductor manufacturing.
Key job responsibilities You will develop and optimize materials for superconducting quantum hardware, with an emphasis on thin-film deposition processes and materials solutions that enable integration architectures for scaling qubit density. This includes establishing process-structure-property relationships for production-relevant films and interfaces, qualifying new tools and process modules, and designing integration schemes compatible with larger wafer formats. You will coordinate with cross-functional teams to translate materials advances into production, and publish results in scientific journals when appropriate. - PhD in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics or equivalent - Expertise in thin-film deposition and process integration at 200 mm wafer scale or larger - Expertise in thin-film characterization - Experience successfully delivering on projects as part of a cross-team collaboration - Proficient in a scientific programming environment - Familiarity with superconducting materials and their integration into device fabrication flows - Experience developing novel materials or deposition processes for advanced device architectures - Experience with 3D integration - Track record of translating materials or process integration advances into improved device performance
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.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits .
USA, CA, Pasadena - 167,100.00 - 226,100.00 USD annually