1

Hardware Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You'll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers ...

NY · On-site

Job Title Quantum Hardware Research Scientist Date posted 09-Jul-2026 Job ID 88976 City / Township / Village Yorktown Heights State / Province New York Country United States Work arrangement Onsite ...

NY · On-site

Quantum Hardware Research Scientist Date posted: 03-Jul-2026 Job ID: 88976 City / Township / Village: Yorktown Heights State / Province: New York Country: United States Work arrangement: Onsite Area ...

Position Overview We are seeking Research Scientists with deep expertise in AI and machine learning ... Familiarity with electronic design automation (EDA) tools, RTL design, or hardware-software co ...

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

Our solutions combine cutting-edge algorithms, purpose-built software and processing hardware ... As a Research Scientist in the team, you will conduct research within a specialized focus area and ...

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $300K/yr

Our solutions combine cutting-edge algorithms, purpose-built software and processing hardware ... As a Research Scientist in the team, you will conduct research within a specialized focus area and ...

... hardware companies. Key Responsibilities * Conduct research in AI‑assisted EDA, focusing on ... Degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Hardware Research Scientist information

See salary details

$90.5K

$132.5K

$143.5K

How much do hardware research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware research scientist in the United States is $132,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware research scientist?

Hardware Research Scientists are professionals who design, develop, and test new computer hardware components and systems. Their work involves conducting experiments, analyzing data, and innovating to improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of hardware such as processors, memory devices, and sensors. They often collaborate with engineers and software developers to integrate hardware solutions into products. Hardware Research Scientists are typically employed by technology companies, research institutions, or universities, and usually hold advanced degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related fields.

What are the main challenges hardware research scientists face when transitioning their innovations from the lab to commercial products?

Hardware Research Scientists often encounter challenges in bridging the gap between prototype development and large-scale manufacturing. Issues such as ensuring reliability, meeting cost constraints, and adhering to industry standards require close collaboration with engineering and production teams. Additionally, translating cutting-edge research into scalable, manufacturable designs involves navigating technical feasibility, resource limitations, and iterative testing. Effective communication and adaptability are essential for overcoming these hurdles and achieving successful product launches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Research Scientist, you need a strong background in electrical or computer engineering, physics, or a related field, typically supported by an advanced degree (MS or PhD). Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB or SPICE), laboratory instrumentation, and hardware design tools like CAD is crucial. Analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are important soft skills for problem-solving and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies enable the development of innovative hardware solutions and ensure successful advancement of technology in research environments.

What is the difference between Hardware Research Scientist vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectHardware Research ScientistHardware Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping new hardware concepts and exploring innovative technologiesDesigning, testing, and implementing hardware components and systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic settingsProduct development teams, manufacturing facilities
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering or related fields
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, academiaConsumer electronics, telecommunications, hardware manufacturing

While both roles involve working with hardware, a Hardware Research Scientist focuses on innovating and exploring new hardware technologies, often in research settings. In contrast, a Hardware Design Engineer concentrates on designing and developing hardware products for commercial use. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the hardware industry.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Research Scientist jobs?

For Hardware Research Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hardware Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,455 per year, or $63.7 per hour.

Quantum Hardware Research Scientist

Yorktown, NY • On-site

IBM
IT Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Help design, simulate, measure, and interpret results for new quantum processors and associated components.

  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers to advance practical quantum computing technologies.

  • Contribute to research efforts in the field of superconducting qubits and quantum device development.


IBM rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Introduction
At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what's next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You'll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.
Your role and responsibilities
Novel Quantum Processors: you would be responsible for helping to design, simulate, measure and interpret results for new quantum processors and associated components.
Required education
Doctorate Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
  • PhD in physics or related field
  • Experience with experimental quantum control

Preferred technical and professional experience
  • Research background in the field of superconducting qubits
  • Experience laying out and simulating quantum devices

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT
IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.
YOUR LIFE @ IBM
In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.
Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.
Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.
Are you ready to be an IBMer?
ABOUT IBM
IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.
Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.
At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS
IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:
- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

What IBM employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


IBM logo

About IBM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Armonk, NY, US

Year founded

1911

Social media