Quantum Compute Simulation Scientist
Listed on Western Digital’s official careers site. Posted October 9, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there.
Apply on Western Digital’s careers site →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
More jobs at Western Digital
Quantum Device Low Temperature Measurement Scientist
San Jose, CA, United States
Associate, Corporate Development Analyst
San Jose, CA, United States
Associate, Corporate Strategy Analyst
San Jose, CA, United States
Counsel, IP Compliance
San Jose, CA, United States
Customer Failure Analysis Engineer
San Jose, CA, United States
Similar jobs at other companies
Staff Quantum Optical Research Scientist
Lockheed Martin · Louisville, CO
Senior Quantum Computer Scientist
Lockheed Martin · Highlands Ranch, CO, Herndon, VA, Palo Alto, CA
Applied Scientist, Center for Quantum Computing, Physical Design and Simulation
Amazon · US, CA, San Francisco
Research Scientist, Quantum Error Correction, Quantum AI
Alphabet · Goleta, CA, USA +1 more