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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Quantum Sky

Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

Working alongside engineers, scientists, and mission stakeholders, this individual will help bridge ... Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use ...

Quantum Sky

Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$190K - $230K/yr

Working alongside engineers, scientists, and mission stakeholders, this individual will help bridge ... Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use ...

Quantum Sky

Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$190K - $230K/yr

Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use ... Work closely with software engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and government stakeholders to ...

Quantum Sky

Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$190K - $230K/yr

Working alongside engineers, scientists, and mission stakeholders, this individual will help bridge ... Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use ...

Quantum Sky

Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer

Reston, VA · On-site

$190 - $230/hr

Working alongside engineers, scientists, and mission stakeholders, this individual will help bridge ... Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use ...

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All JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 24, 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 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

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 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,976 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer

Quantum Sky

Reston, VA • On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
Quantum Sky is searching for a Senior Quantum Algorithm Developer to develop quantum computing workloads for mission-critical operations supporting the U.S. Federal Government, Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and National Security sectors. This role is ideal for a technically strong quantum computing professional who is passionate about translating advanced quantum algorithms into practical solutions for real-world mission challenges.
The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of quantum algorithms that support the industry's transition from Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) systems to Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC). Working alongside engineers, scientists, and mission stakeholders, this individual will help bridge the gap between theoretical quantum computing concepts and deployable applications for defense and intelligence missions.
Key Responsibilities: Adapt existing quantum algorithm development techniques to mission-specific use cases; lead technical workstreams; design, implement, and optimize quantum algorithms for NISQ and FTQC architectures; mentor junior developers; contribute to technical publications, patent filings, and proposal efforts; and help curate and evolve the quantum algorithm curriculum for Quantum Sky's Quantum Community of Practice, supporting internal knowledge sharing and technical development.
Quantum Algorithm Development
  • Design, develop, and optimize quantum and hybrid classical-quantum algorithms for mission-relevant applications.
  • Implement quantum algorithms using leading quantum software development frameworks and hardware platforms.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate quantum solutions into broader software and mission architectures.
  • Develop and evaluate Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithms (QAOA), Variational Quantum Eigensolvers (VQE), Quantum Machine Learning (QML), Quantum Fourier Transform (QFT), Grover's Search, and other quantum algorithms as appropriate for mission requirements.
  • Contribute to the development of fault-tolerant algorithms that support hybrid classical-quantum workflows.

Research & Technical Innovation
  • Research emerging quantum algorithms, architectures, and development frameworks.
  • Evaluate new quantum hardware and software capabilities to determine applicability to customer use cases.
  • Model qubit performance and contribute to error mitigation and quantum error correction efforts.
  • Prototype and benchmark quantum solutions across multiple quantum computing platforms.

Collaboration
  • Work closely with software engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into quantum solutions.
  • Participate in technical reviews, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and customer engagements.
  • Document designs, research findings, and implementation approaches.
  • Contribute to internal innovation initiatives, technical papers, and proposal efforts.

Qualifications
Required:
  • PhD or Master's degree in Quantum Physics, Quantum Information Science, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field.
  • 5-8+ years of experience developing quantum algorithms or quantum software.
  • Experience developing quantum or hybrid classical-quantum algorithms targeting practical use cases.
  • Proficiency with one or more quantum development frameworks such as:
    • Qiskit
    • PennyLane
    • Cirq
    • CUDA-Q
    • Amazon Braket
  • Experience programming in Python.
  • Understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including:
    • Quantum circuits
    • Quantum gates
    • Quantum optimization
    • Quantum emulation
    • Variational algorithms
  • Familiarity with NISQ-era devices and techniques for error mitigation or quantum error correction.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance due to federal-facing programs.

Desired:
  • Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
  • Experience supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, DOE, AFRL, DARPA, or other federal research organizations.
  • Experience with quantum optimization (QUBOs), QAOA, VQE, or quantum machine learning.
  • Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), GPU computing, or hybrid computing architectures.
  • Publications, patents, or open-source contributions related to quantum computing.
  • Experience working in Agile software development environments.

About Tyto Athene
Compensation:
  • Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. The salary range for this position is typically between $190,000 and $230,000. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

Benefits:
  • Highlights of our benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, and parental leave.

The world the mission operates in is going post-quantum, contested, and machine-speed. Quantum Sky engineers the advantage across cyber, networks, software, and quantum because the mission demands dominance, not parity. We don't follow the map. We draw it.
At Quantum Sky, we believe that success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. Are you ready to join #TeamQuantumSky?
Quantum Sky Engineering LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.

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