ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Quantum Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rigetti Computing

Quantum Engineer

Berkeley, CA

$155K - $200K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing, you will be a key contributor to the development of our gate-based, superconducting quantum computers. Your work will turn experimental ideas into ever ...

Rigetti Computing

Quantum Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing, you will be a key contributor to the development of our gate-based, superconducting quantum computers. Your work will turn experimental ideas into ever ...

Monarch Quantum

Quantum Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Quantum Systems Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self ...

Monarch Quantum

Quantum Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$165K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Quantum Systems Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self ...

Monarch Quantum

Quantum Systems Engineer

San Diego, CA

$165K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Quantum Systems Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsQuantum Engineer JobsQuantum Engineer Jobs in California

Quantum Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do quantum engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a Quantum Engineer?

Quantum Engineers typically spend their days designing and testing quantum algorithms, developing and calibrating quantum hardware, and collaborating with research scientists to solve technical problems. Their work often involves hands-on experimentation in laboratory settings, extensive computer programming, and data analysis using specialized software tools. Quantum Engineers also document their findings, present results to stakeholders, and may contribute to academic publications or patents. This role requires close teamwork with physicists, software developers, and other engineers to advance quantum computing technologies toward real-world applications.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Quantum engineers working in advanced research, technology development, or within high-paying industries such as aerospace, defense, or tech companies can earn salaries around or above $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in quantum algorithms, and security clearances. Senior roles, management positions, or those with entrepreneurial ventures in quantum technology also have the potential for such compensation.

What is a Quantum Engineer job?

A Quantum Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes quantum-based technologies, such as quantum computers, sensors, and communication systems. They apply principles of quantum mechanics, electrical engineering, and computer science to build and test quantum devices. Their work involves hardware development, quantum algorithms, and error correction techniques. Quantum Engineers often collaborate with physicists and software developers to advance quantum technology for real-world applications.

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

To thrive as a Quantum Engineer, you need strong expertise in quantum mechanics, mathematics, and programming, typically supported by an advanced degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with quantum computing platforms like IBM Qiskit, cryogenic systems, and proficiency in languages such as Python or C++ is often required, along with relevant certifications or research experience. Strong problem-solving skills, effective collaboration, and adaptability are crucial soft skills in this rapidly evolving technical field. Mastering these abilities enables Quantum Engineers to solve complex challenges, drive innovative solutions, and succeed in multidisciplinary, cutting-edge environments.

What do you do as a quantum engineer?

A quantum engineer designs, develops, and tests quantum computing systems and technologies. They work with quantum algorithms, hardware such as qubits, and control systems, often using programming languages like Python and specialized tools. Their role involves research, experimentation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to advance quantum applications.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large teams, or holding executive-level positions.

What did Elon Musk say about quantum computing?

Elon Musk has expressed interest in quantum computing's potential to revolutionize technology, but he has also highlighted challenges such as error correction and hardware development. As a CEO and innovator, he emphasizes the importance of advancing quantum research to unlock future capabilities, which could impact fields like artificial intelligence and cryptography relevant to quantum engineers.
What are popular job titles related to Quantum Engineer jobs in California? For Quantum Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quantum Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Quantum Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Quantum Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Quantum Engineer job openings:
Quantum Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.
Quantum Engineer

Quantum Engineer

Rigetti Computing

Berkeley, CA

$155K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

As a Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing, you will be a key contributor to the development of our gate-based, superconducting quantum computers. Your work will turn experimental ideas into ever-improving hardware functionality through rigorous characterization of qubits and gates, implementation of new measurement techniques, and interpretation of processor data. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams spanning device design, cryogenic/microwave hardware, control systems, fabrication, and software to push the boundaries of quantum computing to the scale and performance required for practical quantum computing and error correction.

This is a general job posting for experimental physicists that leads to consideration for a targeted role with a specific focus. Topics could include: gate calibration, qubit relaxation and/or dephasing, piloting new research ideas in small processors, integration of new ideas into large processors, or implementation of quantum error correction.

Your training and achievements as an experimental physicist in quantum information mean that you, more than anyone else, already know how hard this will be. And that’s why you’ve sought us out.

Key Responsibilities

  • Characterizing experimental devices, assessing their performance, identifying areas for improvement, and providing feedback to internal development teams.

  • Providing technical focus and leadership on a particular R&D topic, which could include gate calibration, qubit relaxation and/or dephasing, piloting new research ideas in small processors, integration of new ideas into large processors, or implementation of quantum error correction.

  • Collaborating across diverse teams of expert engineers (fab, design, electronics, software, etc.) to turn experimental concepts into robust technologies that work at large QPU scales.

  • Staying current with cutting-edge research, synthesizing results from the literature, and implementing state-of-the-art calibration, error diagnostic, and system optimization techniques to enhance device performance.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Physics or similar applied scientific field, or Masters’ in Physics with 2+ years relevant industry experience.

  • Demonstrated abilities in experimental problem solving and experimental research.

  • Expertise in the practical implementation of coherent quantum effects and control.

  • Proficiency using Python in a scientific context.

  • Ability to thrive in a strongly collaborative environment, with a team-first mindset.

  • Excellent communication skills.

Nice to Have

  • Experience calibrating and characterizing single- and two-qubit quantum gates in superconducting quantum devices.

  • Experience utilizing quantum simulation frameworks, such as QuTip.

  • Proven capability to execute and effectively communicate outcomes from innovative research and development initiatives.

  • Software development experience in a collaborative industry setting.

  • Previous technical role in an industrial or startup setting.

Base Salary
Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.
As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.
 

About Rigetti
Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides ultra-low latency integration with public and private clouds for high-performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.

Don't see the job you want? Apply here so we can keep in touch with you when the right role opens up in the future!

Export Licensing Compliance
Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.