Quantum Compute Wafer and Device Characterization Engineer

WD is building the infrastructure behind the AI-driven data economy.

As AI scales, so does data. Every interaction, every model, every system generates data that must be stored, managed, and made accessible over time. That’s where we come in.

We combine deep engineering expertise with global-scale manufacturing to deliver the storage systems that make AI possible, powering hyperscale data centers, cloud platforms, and enterprise infrastructure worldwide.

This isn’t theoretical work. It’s real systems, at real scale, people solving some of the hardest challenges in technology today.

We’re looking for people who want to build, solve, and operate at that level.

Join us and let’s shape the future of data.

We are seeking a talented researcher to join our team and drive innovative research projects in quantum computing, specifically to focus on quantum compute wafer level characterization. The key emphasis of this role will be detailed surface, interfaces and thin film materials characterization required for the superconducting qubit nanofabrication project, across a wide spectrum of superconducting materials and various insulating films. The overarching goal of the project is to translate exceptional process uniformity abilities in Western Digital into exceptional resonator and qubit performance uniformity across the wafer, and from wafer to wafer.

In the course of the project, you will collaborate with nanofabrication scientists working on device nanofabrication, electrical characterization team focused on quantum characterization of devices, device designers and thin film deposition experts. Successful candidates are expected to have deep familiarity with variety of thin film characterization techniques allowing them to operate independently and with high throughput, as well as prior familiarity with superconducting qubit device designs and potential material systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute research projects in quantum computing wafer and device level characterization, collaborating with other team members and utilizing internal and external characterization techniques and resources; Lead effort in thin film materials stack characterization and resonator and qubit device room temperature characterization utilizing various surface and interface characterization techniques; 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.

Requirements

Ph.D degree and post-doctoral experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science with focus on thin film characterization, as well as surface and interfaces characterization of thin film materials stacks for superconducting qubits; Thorough understanding of superconducting qubit design; Experience in nanofabrication methods for superconducting qubits is a plus; Experience in thin film materials characterization including XRD, AFM, CIPT, SEM, cross-sectional TEM, XPS, AES, ESCA, TOF-SIMS and other; 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

Benefits

An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education, qualifications, certifications, and experience, (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job, (3) performance, contribution and results, (4) geographic location, (5) shift, (6) internal and external equity, and (7) business and organizational needs.; The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York. This range may be modified in the future.; If your position is non-exempt, you are eligible for overtime pay pursuant to company policy and applicable laws. You may also be eligible for shift differential pay, depending on the shift to which you are assigned.; You will be eligible to be considered for bonuses under either WD’s Short Term Incentive Plan (“STI Plan”) or the Sales Incentive Plan (“SIP”) which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance, depending on your role and your performance. You may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to WD's Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.; We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time, paid sick leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life, accident and disability insurance, tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts, employee assistance program, other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity, tuition reimbursement, transit, the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the WD Savings 401(k) Plan.; Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.