Quantum Compute Simulation Scientist

Western Digital · San Jose, CA, United States

  • Junior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-10-09
  • Confirmed live on 12 October 2026

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Job description

Job Description
We are seeking a talented researcher to join our team and drive innovative research projects in quantum computing, specifically to focus on quantum compute simulation. You will play a pivotal role in implementing large scale simulation models that will implement specific quantum error correction schemes, including distillation on top of a distributed network of superconducting qubits defined by their population lifetimes (T1, T2, T2*), single and double qubit gates error rates and other microscopic parameters. The goals will be to reach detailed understanding how distribution of microscopic parameters impact overheads needed to produce fault tolerant logical qubits from physical qubits. Additional goals would be related to detailed quantum mechanical modeling of superconducting qubits devices and developing theoretical and empirical models for microscopic parameters of superconducting qubits.
In the course of the project, you will collaborate with both room temperature and low temperature DC and RF metrology scientists to accurately describe realistic population lifetime distributions, and with Quantum Error Correction information theorist to help choose various quantum error correction schemes. The key goal of these simulations will be to accurately determine requirements on the distribution profiles of microscopic parameters of the qubits and qubit gates to promote fabrication of FTQC systems with minimal number of physical qubits.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead and execute research projects in quantum computing superconducting qubit simulation of multi-qubits systems using in-house and commercial simulation tools

• Collaborate with product teams to tackle novel challenges and develop innovative solutions. 

• Collaboration: Stay current with industry and academic trends, publishing papers and presenting at conferences. 

• Reporting: Develop and present detailed reports and visualizations to communicate findings, trends, and actionable insights to stakeholders at all levels.

• Motivation: Highly self-motivated problem solver able to thrive in unstructured environment. Ability to independently pursue fundamental research, including paper writing and publishing.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp and address challenges outside of immediate field of expertise. 

Qualifications
Required:

• Ph.D degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or related with coursework background in Condensed matter physics, Quantum Field theory and quantum error correction control theory

• Experience in using open source and commercial software platforms such as Pennylane and TopQAD, scqubits and SQuADDS

• Thorough understand of superconducting qubit design theory and building in-house simulation tools and utilizing existing open source

• Experience in simulation of low temperature DC and RF measurement of qubit devices

• Proficiency in a wide array of programming languages, like Python, Rust, TCL, or C, and the ability to choose the right one for the task, including knowledge (or willingness to acquire knowledge) of FPGA based microcontrollers

Additional Information
WD is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.
WD thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can th

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