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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tyto Athene, LLC

Quantum Science Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

... hardware systems. * Experience mentoring scientists, researchers, or engineers and helping bridge theoretical research with practical implementation. Clearance: * Active TS/SCI clearance or ability ...

Tyto Athene, LLC

Quantum Science Lead

Reston, VA

$175K - $275K/yr

... hardware systems. * Experience mentoring scientists, researchers, or engineers and helping bridge theoretical research with practical implementation. Clearance: * Active TS/SCI clearance or ability ...

Tyto Athene, LLC

Quantum Science Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

... hardware systems. * Experience mentoring scientists, researchers, or engineers and helping bridge theoretical research with practical implementation. Clearance: * Active TS/SCI clearance or ability ...

Tyto Athene, LLC

Quantum Science Lead

Reston, VA

... hardware systems. * Experience mentoring scientists, researchers, or engineers and helping bridge theoretical research with practical implementation. Clearance: * Active TS/SCI clearance or ability ...

Tyto Athene, LLC

Quantum Trainer

Reston, VA · On-site

$57K - $62K/yr

Help developers and engineers understand where quantum algorithms may be relevant to customer ... hardware constraints. * Support teams in identifying candidate use cases for quantum algorithm ...

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Quantum Hardware Engineer information

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$50.6K

$145K

$194.8K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in Virginia is $144,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $161,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a quantum hardware engineer?

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.

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.
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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings:
Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,976 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Principal Quantum Hardware Engineer

Microsoft

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

Overview
Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented, diverse international team to build the world's first scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack approach spans innovation from the physics of the quantum plane to the delivery of global quantum services. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to fundamentally transform computing to help solve some of humanity's most intractable problems as we enter an accelerated era of quantum advancement.
We are seeking talented, focused individuals to help deliver useful quantum computers. Microsoft is pursuing topological qubits for large-scale quantum computing and partnering with a growing ecosystem of companies to advance quantum systems across every layer of the stack and bring them to market through the Microsoft Quantum accelerator platform. We believe AI can speed up the development of useful quantum computers and shorten the path to their realization.
As a Principal Quantum Hardware Engineerexperimentalist, you will help build, integrate, and operate cryogenic quantum hardware experiments in a forward-deployed quantum laboratory. You will work hands-on with dilution refrigerators, cryogenic and vacuum systems, RF/microwave control and readout chains, low-noise measurement infrastructure, device bring-up, and experimental automation. This role partners closely with scientists, hardware engineers, systems architects, program managers, and ecosystem partners to accelerate experimental learning and advance Microsoft's path toward useful quantum computing.
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
  • Experimental Execution: Plan and execute cryogenic quantum hardware experiments, including device bring-up, characterization, calibration, data analysis, and iterative troubleshooting of low-temperature measurement systems.

  • Cryogenic Systems: Operate, maintain, and improve dilution refrigerators systems, including cryogenic wiring, vacuum systems, thermal anchoring, filtering, shielding, and related infrastructure required for reliable low-temperature measurements.

  • Instrumentation & Measurement: Configure and debug RF/microwave control and readout chains, DC electronics, data acquisition systems, signal generators, digitizers, amplifiers, and custom test setups used in quantum device experiments.

  • Automation & Data: Develop scripts, procedures, and analysis workflows for experiment automation, data collection, system monitoring, and reproducible measurement execution.

  • Hardware Integration: Partner with scientists, engineers, vendors, and systems architects to integrate devices, packages, interconnects, cryogenic components, control hardware, and software into stable experimental platforms.

  • Lab Readiness, Safety & Compliance: Support safe operation of cryogenic, electrical, vacuum, and export-controlled lab environments; contribute to procedures, documentation, change control, and readiness for internal and external milestones.

Other:
  • Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
    • OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
    • OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements:
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
  • Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.
  • Ability to work in an "AI-first" environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
  • Ability to use and help build AI agents/copilots that assist with experimental workflows - e.g., instrument configuration, maintenance tracking, safety/readiness checklists, protocol templating, logbook summarization, and knowledge retrieval from instrument manuals, install guides, and configuration documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience designing, building, operating, or troubleshooting experimental systems involving cryogenic, vacuum, RF/microwave, or low-noise measurement infrastructure.
  • Experience standing up, operating, or improving experimental quantum, cryogenic, condensed matter, superconducting device, semiconductor, or related low-temperature measurement laboratories.

  • Deep hands-on experience with cryogenic systems, dilution refrigerators, vacuum systems, RF/microwave wiring and I/O, filtering, shielding, low-noise electronics, and related low-temperature measurement infrastructure.

  • Experience with export-controlled or government-program environments (ITAR/EAR), including compliance, configuration management, and document/records control.

  • Experience integrating complex experimental hardware systems, coordinating with vendors, and managing components, spares, calibration, and logistics for cryogenic or precision measurement platforms.

  • Proficient background in Python or similar scripting languages, Linux-based systems, experiment control, lab automation, data acquisition, and analysis of experimental measurement data.

  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, and the judgment to set the operational foundation for a new facility.

  • Ability to partner across science, hardware engineering, systems architecture, program management, facilities, vendors, and government/ecosystem stakeholders in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary experimental environment.

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

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Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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