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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Senior Research Scientist US

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

... and engineering. The Senior Research Scientist will play a key role in advancing Quandela ... Stay at the forefront of advances in quantum computing, integrated photonics, quantum hardware, and ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Quantum Hardware Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$52.7K

$151.2K

$203.1K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $151,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,700.00 and $168,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $151,169 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist US

Quandela

Washington, DC • On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company's unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient datacenters and scalability, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors.
Join Us at the Forefront of Quantum Computing Innovation
We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist with a strong scientific background in quantum computing, quantum photonics, or a closely related field to contribute to and lead advanced research activities in the United States.
This role will focus on driving scientific excellence, developing innovative concepts, and translating research ideas into experimental, theoretical, or computational results that support Quandela's technology roadmap. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across quantum physics, integrated photonics, electronics, algorithms, software, and engineering.
The Senior Research Scientist will play a key role in advancing Quandela's research agenda, contributing to strategic research programs, supporting technical roadmaps, mentoring junior scientists, and strengthening collaborations with academic, government, and industrial partners.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Research & Innovation
  • Conduct high-level research in quantum computing, quantum photonics, quantum information science, or related areas.
  • Develop novel scientific concepts, models, methods, and experimental or computational approaches aligned with Quandela's technology strategy.
  • Contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of quantum computing architectures, photonic quantum systems, components, algorithms, or enabling technologies.
  • Translate scientific advances into tangible research outputs, including prototypes, demonstrators, technical reports, publications, patents, and internal know-how.
  • Stay at the forefront of advances in quantum computing, integrated photonics, quantum hardware, and hardware/software architectures.
  • Identify emerging scientific opportunities and contribute insights to guide long-term research directions.

Technical Leadership
  • Provide scientific leadership within multidisciplinary R&D projects involving quantum physics, photonics, electronics, algorithms, and software engineering.
  • Define and refine research objectives, technical milestones, and scientific work plans in collaboration with research leads, engineers, and program stakeholders.
  • Support the transition from research concepts to proof-of-concept demonstrations, prototypes, and validation milestones.
  • Contribute to technical roadmap development and ensure research activities remain aligned with company objectives and project deliverables.
  • Review scientific results, challenge assumptions, and ensure rigorous research methodology and high-quality technical execution.

Collaboration & Program Support
  • Work closely with internal R&D teams to support project execution and milestone-driven progress.
  • Contribute scientific content to research proposals, technical reports, program reviews, and stakeholder presentations.
  • Support interactions with funding institutions, government agencies, universities, national laboratories, and industrial partners.
  • Participate in collaborative research programs and help coordinate scientific contributions across internal and external teams.
  • Represent Quandela at conferences, workshops, consortium meetings, and scientific events.

Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing
  • Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns.
  • Contribute to building a culture of scientific excellence, rigor, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  • Share expertise through internal seminars, technical reviews, documentation, and scientific discussions.
  • Help establish research best practices, technical standards, and collaborative working methods within a growing U.S. R&D environment.

Requirements
Qualifications & Skills
  • PhD in physics, quantum information science, quantum technologies, photonics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
  • Typically 7-10+ years of relevant research experience in quantum computing, quantum optics, photonics, or advanced quantum technologies.
  • Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality scientific results.
  • Deep understanding of at least one of the following areas:
    • Quantum information science
    • Photonic quantum computing
    • Integrated photonics
    • Quantum optics
    • Quantum algorithms
    • Quantum hardware architectures
    • Quantum error correction or fault-tolerant computing
  • Experience contributing to complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects.
  • Ability to connect scientific vision with practical technical execution.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, project managers, executives, and external partners.
  • Experience with government-funded research projects, technical reporting, or defense-related R&D programs is an asset.
  • Familiarity with intellectual property generation, patents, or technology transfer is desirable.
  • Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens to meet government program and security requirements.

Benefits
  • The opportunity to lead strategic national programs at the forefront of quantum technologies
  • A collaborative, innovative environment bridging cutting-edge science and industrial applications,
  • Competitive compensation package, including relocation support if required.
  • The chance to shape the future of quantum computing with one of the leading players in the field

At Quandela, we believe that the strength of our team is the plurality of experiences, perspectives, and journeys. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.