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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Qrypt

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Germantown, MD · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Qrypt is looking for a Manufacturing Operations Manager to own how our quantum hardware gets built ... Partner with hardware engineering on design-for-manufacturability, engineering change orders, and ...

Qrypt

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Germantown, MD

$135K - $175K/yr

Qrypt is looking for a Manufacturing Operations Manager to own how our quantum hardware gets built ... Partner with hardware engineering on design-for-manufacturability, engineering change orders, and ...

Quantum Space

Reliability Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft ... In this role, you will perform reliability analyses, influence system architecture and hardware ...

Umd

ARLIS Quantum Research Professional

College Park, MD · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Positions may include a focus on algorithms development; applications analysis; hardware development, test, and evaluation; literature research and analysis; and systems engineering for quantum ...

Umd

Maryland Quantum NEXUS

College Park, MD · On-site

... and engineers. Our program focuses less on theory, advanced mathematics, and research practice and more on the day-to-day mix of hardware, software, and experimental skills needed to run quantum ...

Quantum Sky

Senior Network Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Description Quantum Sky is searching an experienced Senior Network Engineer to support a federal ... Define and maintain policies, principles, hardware, and software relevant to the network * Support ...

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All JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Washington

Quantum Hardware Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$57.8K

$165.6K

$222.6K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in Washington is $165,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,900.00 and $184,600.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings:

Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,620 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

Communications Systems Engineer (Optical/Quantum)

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
SAIC is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer with strong optical and quantum communications engineering experience to support specialized analysis, engineering, design, and operations for Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) customers. We support development of next-generation and far-future national security systems across land, sea, air, and space domains.
We are hiring a Communications Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to an IC Research & Development (R&D) customer developing advanced hardware, software, and architectural solutions for mission-critical optical and quantum communication systems.
Responsibilities
• Perform technical reviews, assessments, and risk evaluations of optical and quantum communication system development efforts at the component, subsystem, system, and architecture levels.
• Evaluate designs and technologies including optical terminals, free-space optical links, photonic components, entanglement-based communication architectures, and quantum-enhanced optical subsystems.
• Assess emerging technologies and identify gaps related to high-bandwidth space links, advanced modulation formats, pointing/tracking systems, link budgets, networking performance, and secure quantum-enabled transport architectures.
• Support development of technology roadmaps, requirements, specifications, verification approaches, and transition strategies for optical and quantum system modernization.
• Conduct technical outreach with mission users to capture needs and evaluate applicability of emerging optical and quantum capabilities.
• Prepare system engineering documentation, technical analyses, and program-level briefings to communicate findings and strategic recommendations.
• Provide support to programmatic and acquisition activities, including source selections, lifecycle documentation, and system integration planning.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience
• Experience with USG program management and acquisition lifecycle processes and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and technical writing communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
Desired Qualifications
• Master's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline.
• 12+ years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in optical or quantum communication systems.
• 1+ year of experience supporting USG R&D acquisition processes and documentation.
• Experience with space-based optical terminals, quantum optical payloads, photonic systems, or advanced quantum-enhanced communication architectures
Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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