ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Quantum Hardware Engineer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$62.4K

$179.1K

$240.6K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in Berkeley, CA is $179,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $151,200.00 and $199,600.00 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 Berkeley, CA?

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

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings:

Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $179,050 per year, or $86.1 per hour.

Lead Quantum Engineer, Systems Performance

Rigetti And Company Inc

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$190 - $225/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Rigetti is seeking a Lead Quantum Engineer for the Systems Performance team.

In this position you will play a critical role in shaping our technical roadmap. You will lead a cross-functional team focused on building the next generation of Rigetti’s quantum hardware, and take a high-ownership role in delivering the technologies required to unlock new levels of performance at scale.

In your daily work, you will propose new ideas to push the performance and scalability of superconducting qubit systems, design and execute experiments to test those ideas, and lead a diverse set of engineers and scientists to identify and mitigate key performance gaps.

The right candidate will have a demonstrated track record of scientific success across multiple institutions, technical leadership experience, a high-ownership mentality, and strong organization and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, build, and lead cross-functional experimental programs to inform the technical roadmap and drive systems-level improvements.
  • Propose and explore new technical directions.
  • Identify and address complex gaps in existing technology.
  • Own the delivery of key quantum hardware technologies.
About You
  • PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Prior technical role in an industry or start-up environment.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership experience.
  • Direct experience with cryogenic systems and RF measurement techniques
  • Extensive hands‑on experience with time‑domain measurement, and superconducting quantum devices.
  • Track record of meaningful accomplishments in quantum science or related fields.
  • Working knowledge of Python.
  • Enjoys teamwork and inter‑team collaboration.
  • Excellent communication skills.
Nice to Have
  • Strong coding skills.
  • Familiarity with cQED simulation tools.

$190,000 - $225,000 a year

Base Salary

Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and avacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.

As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under‑represented groups are encouraged.

About Rigetti

Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full‑stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company’s proprietary quantum‑classical infrastructure provides ultra‑low latency integration with public and private clouds for high‑performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi‑chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in‑house at Fab‑1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.

Export Licensing Compliance

Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti‑discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply