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Quantum Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer, Quantum Algorithms (Optimization) Location: Hoboken, NJ Division: Technology ... Design and implement the high-performance C++ runtime and Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for ...

The role involves analysis, system design, and performance evaluation using quantum and classical methods. As a Quantum Subject Matter Expert (SME) you will provide on-site technical support in ...

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Quantum SME

Springfield, VA · On-site

$86K - $114K/yr

The role involves analysis, system design, and performance evaluation using quantum and classical methods. As a Quantum Subject Matter Expert (SME) you will provide on-site technical support in ...

Software Engineer, Quantum Algorithms (Optimization) Location: Hoboken, NJ Division: Technology ... Design and implement the high-performance C++ runtime and Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) for ...

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Quantum Design information

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How much do quantum design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for quantum design in the United States is $26.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Quantum Design?

Quantum Design refers to the field of designing and developing devices, materials, or systems that exploit the principles of quantum mechanics. This often involves creating advanced scientific instruments used in physics and materials science research, such as magnetometers, cryogenic systems, or quantum computing hardware. Professionals in this field may work on engineering solutions at atomic and subatomic scales, contributing to breakthroughs in technology and fundamental science. The work requires a strong background in physics, engineering, and materials science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Quantum Design, and why are they important?

To thrive in Quantum Design, you need a strong background in physics, engineering, or materials science, often supported by an advanced degree and experience with quantum systems. Familiarity with simulation software, laboratory instrumentation, and programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities enable professionals to develop innovative quantum devices and experiments, driving advancements in technology and research.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Quantum Design, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Quantum Design often encounter challenges related to the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of their work, which combines physics, engineering, and computational modeling. Staying updated with rapid advancements in quantum technologies and collaborating effectively with researchers from various backgrounds can be demanding. To address these challenges, it helps to engage in continuous learning, participate in cross-functional team meetings, and leverage mentorship or networking opportunities within the organization. Collaborative problem-solving and open communication are key to navigating the fast-evolving landscape of quantum design.

What is the difference between Quantum Design vs Quantum Engineer?

AspectQuantum DesignQuantum Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; often requires programming skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, corporate R&DResearch labs, development teams, technology companies
Industry UsageScientific instrumentation, research equipment manufacturingQuantum computing, hardware development, software integration

Quantum Design professionals typically focus on designing and manufacturing scientific instruments, while Quantum Engineers develop quantum hardware and software solutions. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds, but Quantum Engineers often have more programming and systems integration skills. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the quantum industry.

What cities are hiring for Quantum Design jobs? Cities with the most Quantum Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Quantum Design jobs? The most popular types of Quantum Design jobs are:
What states have the most Quantum Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Quantum Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Quantum Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,595 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Quantum Software Engineer (non-US)

Zapata Quantum

Zapata, TX

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

About the role
We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer to build AI-powered tools that massively accelerate how quantum applications are designed and resource-estimated. You will fuse modern AI-LLMs, coding agents, and ML-based heuristics-with quantum circuit construction, compilation, and analysis, compressing workflows that currently take weeks of expert effort into hours. Your tooling will directly shape Zapata's ability to evaluate and deliver quantum solutions across cryptography, pharmaceuticals, finance, materials discovery, and defense.
This position offers a high level of individual ownership and is well-suited to engineers who are excited to push the frontier of AI-assisted scientific software within a small, focused team. You will partner closely with algorithm scientists and customers to understand their design and resource-estimation workflows, then build tools that turn those workflows into automated, scalable pipelines. This position is classified as exempt under applicable wage and hour laws.
What you'll do
  • Design and build AI-powered tools that accelerate quantum application design-from problem intake through algorithm selection, circuit construction, and validation
  • Develop automated resource estimation pipelines that use LLMs and ML models to rapidly predict qubit counts, gate counts, and runtime for candidate quantum solutions
  • Build agentic workflows that orchestrate quantum SDKs, compilation passes, simulators, and analysis tools
  • Integrate state-of-the-art AI coding assistants and LLM APIs directly into internal scientific tooling to compress expert-led workflows into automated pipelines
  • Benchmark and continuously improve the accuracy, speed, and reliability of AI-driven tooling against expert-curated baselines
  • Collaborate closely with quantum algorithm scientists to capture their reasoning and encode it into reusable AI-driven tools
  • Deliver high-quality software with minimal supervision, demonstrating autonomy in execution and technical decision-making
Qualifications
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals, including testing, code review, and CI/CD practices
  • BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
  • Demonstrated experience shipping software that leverages LLMs, AI agents, or other machine learning components
  • Proficient programming skills in Python, with working knowledge of modern LLM APIs (Anthropic, OpenAI, or equivalent) and tool-use / function-calling patterns
  • Deep familiarity with AI-assisted development workflows (Claude Code, Cursor, or similar) and a drive to use them to massively accelerate your own output and that of the team
  • Familiarity with quantum computing concepts and a willingness to learn quantum algorithms and resource estimation in depth
  • Ability to work independently and manage deliverables with minimal oversight
  • Strong judgment about when to apply AI and when not to
  • A commitment to measuring tool quality against expert baselines
Desired Programming Skills
  • Python - for tooling, scientific code, and LLM-powered applications
  • LLM APIs and tool-use / function-calling patterns (Anthropic, OpenAI, or similar)
  • Agent frameworks and orchestration (LangGraph, pydantic-ai, or custom harnesses)
  • Quantum SDKs (Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, or similar) for scripting design and estimation workflows
  • AI-assisted development (e.g., Claude Code)
  • Git and modern CI/CD tooling
  • Evals and benchmark design for AI systems
  • Software testing frameworks (pytest, hypothesis)
  • NumPy, SciPy, and the scientific Python stack
  • Retrieval-augmented generation and vector databases
  • Containerization (Docker) and cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Prompt Engineering
Preferred Experience
  • Demonstrated experience shipping software that leverages LLMs, AI agents, or other machine learning components
  • Experience building developer tools, scientific workflows, or research automation that leverages AI to speed up expert work
  • Strong communication skills and comfort collaborating across research and engineering teams

About Zapata Quantum
Zapata Quantum is shaping the future of quantum computing: setting the standards for what's viable, valuable, and worth building. The Company powers quantum applications across cryptography, pharmaceuticals, finance, materials discovery, defense, and beyond, translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
Zapata is the only organization to have contributed across every technical area of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking program, giving it a uniquely comprehensive view of what it takes to make quantum computing work in practice. Now restructured and sharply focused, Zapata Quantum stands alone as the only publicly traded, pure-play quantum software company fully dedicated to unlocking quantum's commercial potential.
We're rebuilding at a pivotal moment for the industry-bringing together a team that will help define how quantum delivers value in the real world, with the opportunity for meaningful ownership as we shape the commercial path forward.