Research Scientist Quantum Computing Jobs in California

At NVIDIA, we're solving the world's most exciting problems with our unique approach to accelerated computing. We're looking for a passionate AI research scientist with deep quantum computing expertise to path-find the future of fault-tolerant quantum systems powered by machine learning.

Quantum computing is a strategic priority for NVIDIA, and our goal is to accelerate the entire ecosystem. As a Sr. Applied Research Scientist in Quantum Computing, you will architect and build AI solutions at the heart of fault-tolerant quantum computing-spanning quantum error correction, decoding, calibration, and beyond. You will research and develop open AI models, curated datasets, and rigorous benchmarks that advance the state of the art and empower the broader quantum community. Your research will help translate cutting-edge theory into practice by fine-tuning models for specific quantum error-correcting codes and hardware platforms, while collaborating with multi-functional teams across Product, Engineering, and Applied Research to integrate AI into next-generation Accelerated Quantum Supercomputers!

Do you love developing new technology, enjoy working with collaborative people and teams around the world, and operating at the speed of light? If yes, we would love to hear from you!

What you'll be doing:

• Design and architect AI/ML models-including deep neural networks, graph neural networks, transformers, and reinforcement-learning agents-for quantum error correction, syndrome decoding, logical operation synthesis, and real-time calibration in fault-tolerant quantum systems.

• Develop cutting-edge AI techniques for quantum computing that contribute to NVIDIA's open model efforts across the quantum ecosystem.

• Help create high-quality, large-scale datasets for quantum error correction and quantum system characterization, including simulated and hardware-derived syndrome data, enabling the community to train and evaluate AI models at scale.

• Collaborate with quantum hardware teams to collect and structure hardware-derived training data, enabling domain-adapted models that improve over time as hardware matures.

• Co-design AI solutions with quantum hardware and software teams, ensuring decoders and calibration models meet latency and throughput requirements for real-time operation inside fault-tolerant feedback loops.

• Communicate research findings through top-tier venues and collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance the field, while championing a culture of rapid innovation, technical depth, and creative problem solving.

What we need to see:

• Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Ph.D. strongly preferred); equivalent demonstrated experience also considered.

• 8+ years of combined experience in quantum computing and/or AI/ML research, with a track record of high-impact contributions in at least one of these domains.

• Deep expertise in machine learning and deep learning-including model architecture design, training at scale, and evaluation-applied to scientific or engineering problems.

• Strong background in Quantum Information Science, including quantum error correction, fault-tolerant protocols, and quantum noise models.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with multi-functional teams across research, engineering, and product.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Hands-on experience developing learned decoders or AI-driven calibration systems for quantum hardware (superconducting qubits, trapped ions, or other platforms).

• Experience with large-scale model training and fine-tuning-including parameter-efficient fine-tuning (LoRA, QLoRA, adapters) and domain adaptation for scientific AI models.

• Proficiency with CUDA and NVIDIA GPU programming for accelerating quantum simulation, AI model training, or real-time decoding workloads.

• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and distributed training frameworks (e.g., PyTorch Distributed, Megatron-LM, or JAX pmap) for large-scale quantum AI workloads.

• Passion to drive AI innovations into NVIDIA software and hardware products that support the broader quantum computing ecosystem.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

#LI-Hybrid

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 192,000 USD - 304,750 USD.Applications for this job will be accepted at least until May 25, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.