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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related ... About the job The Google Quantum Hardware team is building a quantum computer using superconducting ...

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Quantum Hardware Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.3K

$144.3K

$193.9K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in California is $144,315.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $160,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as quantum hardware engineering, software engineering, and data science can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies. These roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in cutting-edge technologies or tools.

What is the difference between Quantum Hardware Engineer vs Quantum Software Engineer?

AspectQuantum Hardware EngineerQuantum Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; experience with hardware design and fabricationBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; programming skills in Python, C++, or similar
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hardware prototyping facilities, clean roomsSoftware development environments, cloud platforms, simulation tools
Employer & Industry UsageQuantum tech companies, research labs, hardware manufacturersTech firms, research institutions, software companies working on quantum algorithms

Quantum Hardware Engineers focus on designing, building, and testing physical quantum devices, while Quantum Software Engineers develop algorithms and software to run on quantum hardware. Both roles are essential in advancing quantum technology but differ in their focus and skill sets.

What are some common challenges faced by Quantum Hardware Engineers when scaling up quantum systems?

Quantum Hardware Engineers often encounter significant challenges when scaling quantum systems, such as maintaining qubit coherence and minimizing error rates as the number of qubits increases. Integrating control electronics and cryogenic systems while ensuring signal fidelity is another complex aspect of the role. Collaboration with physicists, materials scientists, and software engineers is essential to troubleshoot hardware limitations and develop scalable architectures. Overcoming these challenges requires creative problem-solving and a multidisciplinary approach, making the role both demanding and highly rewarding.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and certain hardware engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within large companies or tech firms.

What are Quantum Hardware Engineers?

Quantum Hardware Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the physical systems that enable quantum computing. They work on building and optimizing quantum processors, cryogenic systems, control electronics, and other hardware components necessary for quantum computers. Their role is essential for advancing the practical implementation of quantum technologies, collaborating closely with physicists, software engineers, and researchers to push the boundaries of computational power. These engineers often have backgrounds in physics, electrical engineering, or materials science, and are skilled in both theoretical and hands-on laboratory work.

How much does a quantum hardware engineer make?

The average salary for a quantum hardware engineer ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cryogenics, quantum circuits, or fabrication may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000.

What does a quantum hardware engineer do?

A quantum hardware engineer designs, develops, and tests physical components of quantum computers, such as qubits, superconducting circuits, and cryogenic systems. They work with specialized tools and materials, often requiring knowledge of quantum physics, electrical engineering, and cryogenics, to improve the stability and performance of quantum devices.

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

To thrive as a Quantum Hardware Engineer, you need a deep understanding of quantum physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, often supported by an advanced degree (such as a PhD) in a related field. Familiarity with technical tools like cryogenic systems, microwave electronics, and quantum measurement instruments, as well as programming languages such as Python, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These competencies are critical for designing, building, and optimizing complex quantum devices that advance the field of quantum computing.
What are popular job titles related to Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in California? For Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,315 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

Senior Quantum EDA R&D Engineer - Superconducting Hardware Design

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Calabasas, CA

$116K - $155K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.


Responsibilities

Required Locations: One of: Everett, WA. Santa Clara, CA. Calabasas, CA. Cambridge, MA.  Not open to remote.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Quantum EDA R&D Engineer to develop product features, design capabilities, and validated workflows for superconducting quantum hardware.

This role sits at the intersection of superconducting quantum hardware, microwave/RF engineering, EM simulation, and EDA product development. The ideal candidate can translate real hardware design problems into validated simulation workflows, application examples, and product capabilities.

You will work with customers, product teams, and R&D colleagues to develop and validate superconducting hardware design methodologies in EDA environments—and translate application needs into product features.

Why Keysight / Why Quantum EDA

Quantum hardware design is moving from one-off physics experiments toward scalable engineering workflows. Keysight is uniquely positioned to help drive that transition by combining deep microwave/RF, electromagnetic simulation, measurement, and EDA expertise with emerging quantum design capabilities.

In this role, you will help shape design methodologies that connect EM simulation, circuit modeling, Hamiltonian analysis, measurement correlation, and practical superconducting hardware workflows.

Examples of Keysight quantum EDA capabilities include QuantumPro for EM-driven qubit workflows and parameter extraction, ADS Quantum Layout for parameterized quantum artwork and chip buildup, Quantum Circuit Simulation for Josephson-junction-based circuits and quantum amplifiers, and Quantum System Analysis for virtual testbenching of quantum experimental setups. This is an opportunity to work where quantum device physics meets the engineering infrastructure needed to scale real systems.

Why This Is Different from a Typical Quantum Hardware Role

Unlike a role focused on a single quantum hardware program, this role is about developing the EDA capabilities that help many superconducting quantum hardware teams design, simulate, validate, and scale their systems.

You will turn hands-on quantum hardware and microwave/RF design insight into reusable tools, workflows, and product features—connecting device physics, EM/circuit simulation, Hamiltonian analysis, and measurement correlation in practical engineering environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop new features and capabilities for Keysight Quantum EDA solutions by translating superconducting quantum hardware design needs into product requirements, simulation workflows, validation criteria, and working prototypes, in close collaboration with software engineering teams
  • Build and validate models for superconducting quantum hardware components and systems, including:
    • Superconducting qubits, couplers, resonators, readout structures, filters, and amplifiers
    • Cryogenic microwave structures, packaging-aware components, interconnects, and other supporting superconducting or cryogenic hardware elements
  • Develop application workflows and design examples that demonstrate quantum behavior, microwave performance, and system-level tradeoffs
  • Extend quantum design flows in EDA tools by connecting circuit simulation, EM modeling, parameter extraction, Hamiltonian analysis, and system-level behavior into practical simulation workflows
  • Work with customers and internal teams to solve real-world quantum hardware challenges
  • Validate simulation results against theory, measurement data, and published results
  • Create technical documentation, application examples, and validation cases that help users adopt new Quantum EDA capabilities

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

  • Strong hands-on experience designing, modeling, simulating, or validating superconducting quantum hardware, including:
    • Superconducting quantum circuits such as qubits, resonators, couplers, readout structures, or amplifiers
    • Understanding of qubit architectures and coupling mechanisms
  • Experience applying microwave/RF design methods to quantum, superconducting, cryogenic, or high-performance EM systems
  • Experience with electromagnetic and circuit simulation tools, such as:
    • ADS, EMPro, HFSS, CST, COMSOL, or similar
  • Solid understanding of:
    • Quantum system behavior (Hamiltonian modeling, energy levels, coupling)
    • EM/circuit interaction in quantum devices
  • Experience building or validating design workflows or examples for quantum, microwave, or EM-driven hardware systems
  • Strong problem-solving ability across quantum + RF/microwave + simulation domains
  • Ability to translate technical needs into simulation workflows, validation tests, and product-ready feature concepts

Software and Automation Skills

  • Experience with Python or similar languages for simulation automation, data analysis, model validation, or workflow prototyping; C++ experience is helpful but not required
  • Familiarity with software workflows in simulation environments, data analysis, or model validation
  • Ability to prototype, automate, and validate workflows that can mature into product features

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with Keysight quantum EDA tools such as QuantumPro, ADS Quantum Layout, Quantum Circuit Simulation, and Quantum System Analysis
  • Experience with quantum system modeling, control/readout workflows, or experiment-level simulation
  • Experience with HPC or large-scale simulation workflows
  • Familiarity with layout or PDK development for quantum technologies
  • Familiarity with measurement correlation between lab data and simulation
  • Experience translating customer, research, or hardware-design use cases into product requirements, workflows, or application examples

Resume Requirements

Applicants should include concrete examples of superconducting, quantum, microwave, or EM-driven hardware workflows they have directly contributed to.

Resumes or cover letters should clearly describe:

  • the circuits or structures modeled or validated,
  • the tools used,
  • measurement or theory correlation performed,
  • candidate’s direct role in design, automation, analysis, validation, or feature development,
  • specific use of Python and/or C++

Resumes that only list keywords, tools, or coursework without applied usage context will not be competitive for this role.

Education & Background

  • S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience will also be considered
  • Strong preference for candidates with research or industry experience in quantum hardware, superconducting circuits, microwave/RF design, or EDA workflows

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for engineers who want to multiply their impact by using deep quantum hardware, microwave/RF, and simulation expertise to build practical EDA capabilities that help superconducting quantum hardware teams design better systems faster.

#LI-MO1

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Calabasas, CA MIN $119,610.00 - MAX $199,340.00

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
  • Restricted Stock Units
Qualifications:

Required Skills & Experience

  • Strong hands-on experience designing, modeling, simulating, or validating superconducting quantum hardware, including:
    • Superconducting quantum circuits such as qubits, resonators, couplers, readout structures, or amplifiers
    • Understanding of qubit architectures and coupling mechanisms
  • Experience applying microwave/RF design methods to quantum, superconducting, cryogenic, or high-performance EM systems
  • Experience with electromagnetic and circuit simulation tools, such as:
    • ADS, EMPro, HFSS, CST, COMSOL, or similar
  • Solid understanding of:
    • Quantum system behavior (Hamiltonian modeling, energy levels, coupling)
    • EM/circuit interaction in quantum devices
  • Experience building or validating design workflows or examples for quantum, microwave, or EM-driven hardware systems
  • Strong problem-solving ability across quantum + RF/microwave + simulation domains
  • Ability to translate technical needs into simulation workflows, validation tests, and product-ready feature concepts

Software and Automation Skills

  • Experience with Python or similar languages for simulation automation, data analysis, model validation, or workflow prototyping; C++ experience is helpful but not required
  • Familiarity with software workflows in simulation environments, data analysis, or model validation
  • Ability to prototype, automate, and validate workflows that can mature into product features

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with Keysight quantum EDA tools such as QuantumPro, ADS Quantum Layout, Quantum Circuit Simulation, and Quantum System Analysis
  • Experience with quantum system modeling, control/readout workflows, or experiment-level simulation
  • Experience with HPC or large-scale simulation workflows
  • Familiarity with layout or PDK development for quantum technologies
  • Familiarity with measurement correlation between lab data and simulation
  • Experience translating customer, research, or hardware-design use cases into product requirements, workflows, or application examples

Resume Requirements

Applicants should include concrete examples of superconducting, quantum, microwave, or EM-driven hardware workflows they have directly contributed to.

Resumes or cover letters should clearly describe:

  • the circuits or structures modeled or validated,
  • the tools used,
  • measurement or theory correlation performed,
  • candidate’s direct role in design, automation, analysis, validation, or feature development,
  • specific use of Python and/or C++

Resumes that only list keywords, tools, or coursework without applied usage context will not be competitive for this role.

Education & Background

  • S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience will also be considered
  • Strong preference for candidates with research or industry experience in quantum hardware, superconducting circuits, microwave/RF design, or EDA workflows

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for engineers who want to multiply their impact by using deep quantum hardware, microwave/RF, and simulation expertise to build practical EDA capabilities that help superconducting quantum hardware teams design better systems faster.

#LI-MO1

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Calabasas, CA MIN $119,610.00 - MAX $199,340.00

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
  • Restricted Stock Units
Educ...

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