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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Quantum Hardware Engineer information

See Athens, AL salary details

$49.2K

$141.1K

$189.6K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in Athens, AL is $141,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,200.00 and $157,300.00 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 Athens, AL?

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

Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings in Athens, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,130 per year, or $67.9 per hour.

Senior Software Integration Engineer

Sierra Ventures

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the team

The Sensing Engineering team at Q-CTRL transforms quantum research into deployable technologies that address real‑world problems. We design, build, and field‑validate an array of quantum sensors that support our key products, including Ironestone Opal – our solution for GPS‑denied navigation. You don’t need a background in quantum to make an impact here. We value strong engineering fundamentals, a product mindset, and a drive to solve the hardest engineering problems in quantum sensing today.

About the role

We are seeking a Software Integration Engineer to own the deployment, configuration, and operational readiness of Q-CTRL’s navigation and quantum sensing software on UAS platforms. This role is hands‑on and execution focused, ensuring rapidly evolving software developed at HQ is correctly integrated, configured, tested, and run on real platforms in lab and field environments. You will work closely with systems and hardware engineers, and HQ software teams to bring up full sensor and navigation stacks, verify correct operation prior to flight, and manage data flow for analysis. As Q-CTRL’s quantum sensing technology matures, you will help establish robust deployment, testing, and release practices for hardware‑in‑the‑loop and fielded systems. You will join a growing global engineering team, working as part of a small US‑based group supporting defense and aerospace programs, and operating at the intersection of software, hardware, and field operations.

What you'll be doing:
  • Own software deployment and configuration on UAS platforms, ensuring alignment with fast‑moving HQ software releases.
  • Bring up and verify full sensor, driver, transport, and navigation stacks prior to lab tests and flight operations.
  • Act as the on‑site software authority during field trials, diagnosing and resolving software and system‑level issues.
  • Manage intermittent domestic and international travel and maintain regular communication across time zones.
  • Retrieve, validate, and organize test and flight data for delivery to HQ software and science teams.
  • Work closely with systems, hardware, and HQ software engineers to close integration gaps.
  • Contribute to improving deployment workflows, testing, and CI/CD processes for hardware‑integrated software.
  • Lead strategic communication with internal teams and external partners.
  • Perform other duties within the employee’s skills and experience, or with reasonable training.
Ideally you’ll have:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering or a related field.
  • Experience deploying and operating software on Linux‑based embedded, robotics, or UAS platforms.
  • Experience with numerical software and/or algorithm development, with an emphasis on inertial navigation, state estimation, data fusion, or optimization.
  • Proficiency with systems programming languages such as C, C++, Rust, and Python.
  • Experience setting up and maintaining continuous integration systems.
  • Familiarity with DevOps practices applied to hardware systems.
  • Experience working with sensor drivers, middleware, and data transport layers.
  • Ability to work effectively across software, hardware, systems, and research teams.
  • Experience in defense, aerospace, autonomy, robotics, or navigation systems is highly desirable.

This position may require access to information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be ‘U.S. persons’ as defined in 22 CFR §120.62.

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