Quantum Compute Nanofabrication Engineer

215,900.00-287,800.00 Business Function: R&D Engineering Work Location: San Jose Great Oaks Headquarters--LOC_WDT_USCA23 Company Description 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 devices nanofabrication. The key emphasis of the project will be design and nanofabrication of superconducting qubit and QPU test devices, intended for thorough understanding of the links between nanofabrication choices and devices performance, as applied to both flux tunable and fixed frequency qubits nanofabricated in various Al, Nb and Ta-based superconducting qubit systems. 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 both room temperature and low temperature DC and RF metrology scientists to accurately measure and monitor realistic population lifetime distributions, and materials scientist working on wafer level characterization, and drive feedback to our quantum device design and implement nanofabrication process. Successful candidates are expected to have deep familiarity with superconducting qubit design, and variety of nanofabrication techniques typically applied to superconducting qubit devices, such as optical and e-beam lithography, reactive ion etching, chemically assisted ion beam etching, atomic layer etching, physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, ion beam deposition and other. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  Lead and execute research projects in quantum computing superconducting qubit design and nanofabrication from wafer level nanofabrication, to device packaging, and collaborating with measurement teams in implementing design and nanofabrication process changes to drive continuous improvement Experience in chip to wafer bonding with superconducting bumps is welcome 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.

Required: Ph.D degree and post-doctoral experience in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science with focus on experimental work on superconducting qubit