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Quantum Foundations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zapata Quantum

Quantum Solutions Engineer

Zapata, TX · On-site

Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, and numerical methods * Proficiency with quantum-related programming and tooling (e.g., circuit simulation, compilation, resource ...

Nvidia

Senior Quantum Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are building the foundations for scalable scientific computing and emerging quantum-HPC workflows. We tackle some of the most exciting challenges by combining deep domain expertise in quantum ...

Nvidia

OR · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

We are building the foundations for scalable scientific computing and emerging quantum-HPC workflows. We tackle some of the most exciting challenges by combining deep domain expertise in quantum ...

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How much do quantum foundations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for quantum foundations in the United States is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Quantum Foundations Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quantum Foundations Researcher, you need a deep understanding of quantum mechanics, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a PhD in physics or a closely related field. Familiarity with computational tools like MATLAB, Python, or Mathematica, as well as experience with quantum simulation software, is often required. Analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for developing original theories and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for advancing fundamental knowledge, publishing impactful research, and contributing to the broader quantum science community.

What are quantum foundations?

Quantum foundations is a field of study focused on understanding the fundamental principles and concepts underlying quantum mechanics. Researchers in this area examine the mathematical structure, conceptual meaning, and philosophical implications of quantum theory. The goal is to clarify what quantum mechanics tells us about the nature of reality, information, and measurement, and to resolve paradoxes such as wave-particle duality and quantum entanglement. This field often intersects with philosophy, mathematics, and experimental physics.

What are the common challenges faced by researchers working in Quantum Foundations, and how can these be addressed in a collaborative academic environment?

Researchers in Quantum Foundations often encounter challenges such as grappling with abstract theoretical concepts, managing the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and keeping pace with rapid developments. Collaboration is key—team members regularly engage with physicists, mathematicians, and philosophers to gain diverse perspectives and refine their ideas. Participating in seminars, workshops, and group discussions helps address these challenges by fostering a supportive environment where complex problems can be tackled collectively and new insights can emerge.

What is the difference between Quantum Foundations vs Quantum Computing Engineer?

AspectQuantum FoundationsQuantum Computing Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics or related advanced degrees, research experienceEngineering degrees, programming skills, knowledge of quantum algorithms
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutionsTech companies, startups, research labs
Industry UsageFundamental research, theoretical developmentPractical implementation, software development

Quantum Foundations focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics through research, often in academic or lab settings. In contrast, Quantum Computing Engineers apply these principles to develop practical quantum algorithms and hardware, working in industry or tech-focused environments. Both roles require a strong background in quantum physics or engineering but differ in their focus—research versus application.

Quantum Solutions Engineer

Zapata Quantum

Zapata, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About the role
We are seeking a Quantum Solutions Engineer to work directly with clients to solve real-world problems with quantum computing. This role sits at the intersection of customer engagement and applied quantum engineering-partnering with clients to understand their use cases, then designing, developing, testing, and benchmarking the quantum algorithms and workflows that turn those use cases into deliverable solutions.
You will own end-to-end technical engagements: scoping problems with customers in domains such as cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials discovery, and defense; translating them into concrete quantum circuits and workflows; performing rigorous resource estimation on both near-term and fault-tolerant hardware; and communicating results clearly back to stakeholders. You will partner closely with quantum software engineers, research scientists, and domain experts, and contribute to deliverables for government and commercial programs.
This position offers a high level of individual ownership and is well-suited to engineers who are comfortable working independently within a small, focused team and engaging directly with technical and business stakeholders. This position is classified as exempt under applicable wage and hour laws.
What you'll do
  • Work directly with clients to scope, develop, test, and deliver quantum proof-of-concept and production engagements that demonstrate measurable value for their use cases
  • Develop, implement, and test quantum algorithms and end-to-end workflows for applications in cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials science, and defense
  • Perform end-to-end resource estimation for quantum workloads on both near-term (NISQ) and fault-tolerant hardware architectures, and communicate trade-offs to clients
  • Build, benchmark, and harden circuit compilation, error mitigation, and algorithmic primitives in service of client deliverables
  • Translate customer and domain-specific problems into well-posed quantum computational tasks and reproducible workflows
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact during client engagements, communicating progress, results, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Contribute to technical reports, customer-facing deliverables, peer-reviewed publications, and government program deliverables
  • Partner with internal software engineers and scientists to improve the quality, correctness, and performance of product and solution deliverables
  • Independently analyze complex scientific and engineering problems and drive them to a working, validated solution

Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience delivering quantum solutions
  • Deep understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including the circuit model, quantum error correction, and complexity theory
  • Hands-on experience developing and testing quantum algorithms and primitives (e.g., QPE, VQE, QAOA, Hamiltonian simulation, amplitude amplification, block encoding)
  • Practical experience building quantum workflows and performing resource estimation for realistic problem instances
  • Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, and numerical methods
  • Proficiency with quantum-related programming and tooling (e.g., circuit simulation, compilation, resource estimation, scientific computing, or modern quantum SDKs)
  • Track record of peer-reviewed publications, preprints, open-source contributions, or equivalent technical output
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage clients directly and articulate technical results to both scientific and commercial stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently, scope open-ended problems, and manage client deliverables with minimal oversight
  • Familiarity with modern AI tools and a drive to use them to make solution development and delivery more efficient

Preferred Experience
  • Prior experience in a customer-facing technical role (solutions engineering, applied science, technical consulting, or similar)
  • Experience contributing to government-funded quantum research programs
  • Track record of designing and implementing novel quantum algorithms, demonstrated through publications, preprints, or open-source contributions
  • Deep expertise in either quantum chemistry or quantum cryptography
  • Experience leading proof-of-concept engagements from problem scoping through validated deliverable

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.

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