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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Allstate

Quantum Algorithm Developer Expert

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

In the Quantum Algorithm Developer Expert role, you will contribute to the development and ... hardware and experiments on diverse quantum hardware • Develop classical-compute reference ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

... hardware and software systems * Experience developing models, simulations, calculations, and/or error budgets to inform instrument designs * Ability to work effectively with engineering teams on ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Sensor Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

... hardware and software systems * Experience developing models, simulations, calculations, and/or error budgets to inform instrument designs * Ability to work effectively with engineering teams on ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Depending on program needs, a Staff Quantum Physicist may lead the development of a hardware system ... engineering tradeoffs. * Own critical systems through validation, troubleshooting, performance ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Depending on program needs, a Staff Quantum Physicist may lead the development of a hardware system ... engineering tradeoffs. * Own critical systems through validation, troubleshooting, performance ...

Infleqtion

Staff Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$166 - $256/hr

Depending on program needs, a Staff Quantum Physicist may lead the development of a hardware system ... engineering tradeoffs. * Own critical systems through validation, troubleshooting, performance ...

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All JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer JobsQuantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Quantum Hardware Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.6K

$150.8K

$202.6K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in Chicago, IL is $150,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $168,000.00 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,757 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

Quantum Software Engineer

Quantum Machines

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description
Quantum Machines is looking for a Quantum software Engineer to work closely with customers to design, optimize, and troubleshoot advanced quantum control workflows on real quantum hardware. In this role, you will serve as a technical bridge between customer use cases, experimental requirements, and robust software solutions, ensuring customers successfully deploy and scale quantum experiments using Quantum Machines' platform.
This position combines strong software engineering practices with hands-on experimental intuition. You will translate complex quantum workflows into reliable, maintainable, and customer-ready solutions, while collaborating closely with internal product, R&D, and hardware teams.
Responsibilities:
  • Work directly with customers to understand experimental goals, constraints, and system architectures
  • Design, implement, and optimize quantum control workflows tailored to customer applications
  • Troubleshoot complex software, system-level, and experiment-integration issues on real quantum hardware
  • Provide clear technical guidance, best practices, and documentation to enable customer success
  • Develop and maintain Python-based application code, tools, and reference examples
  • Contribute to scalable and maintainable software architectures for quantum control systems
  • Apply solid software engineering practices, including version control, testing, and code review
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, R&D, hardware, and software teams to relay customer feedback
  • Balance fast, pragmatic solutions that unblock customers with long-term, sustainable engineering improvements

Requirements
  • At least 5 years of hands-on programming experience in Python - Must.
  • M.Sc. in Computer/ SW Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Quantum Information Science, or a related field. Equivalent industry experience in SW engineering, System Engineering, and experimental quantum computing will also be considered.
  • Strong proficiency in Python, including experience with scientific, experimental, or systems-oriented codebases.
  • Solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including software architecture and Git-based workflows.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a customer-focused mindset.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

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