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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that ... Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that ... Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design ...

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that ... Atom Computing is seeking a hands-on Principal Hardware Engineer to lead the architecture, design ...

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Quantum Hardware Engineer information

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$51K

$146.2K

$196.5K

How much do quantum hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum hardware engineer in the United States is $146,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $163,000.00 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 are Quantum Hardware Engineers?

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.
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What job categories do people searching Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs are:
Senior Quantum Package & Motherboard Engineer

Senior Quantum Package & Motherboard Engineer

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 202 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
At Microsoft Quantum, we aim to empower science and scientists to solve the world's biggest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology.
Microsoft Quantum team is dedicated to developing the first scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer and is leading progress in areas ranging from quantum hardware and error correction to comprehensive integration with Azure. Our team comprises an accomplished and diverse international team focused on constructing a scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack strategy encompasses breakthrough developments, spanning the physics of quantum devices to scalable readout and control infrastructures powered by cryo-electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to transform the future of computing and tackle challenges that are currently beyond reach. We are entering a pivotal phase of accelerated growth in quantum computing, and this position presents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a transformative technology.
We are seeking a Senior Quantum Package & Motherboard Engineer role to adapt industry-standard packaging & motherboard design processes and materials to the unique requirements of cryogenic/quantum devices, working alongside a diverse team of engineers and scientists to assemble and scale complex quantum hardware. Success in this position requires close collaboration with our globally distributed team to establish common, robust assembly processes and materials.
Throughout the program lifecycle, you will engage with cross-functional teams-including architecture, quantum, verification, analog, physical design and vendors -to ensure that the design meets specifications and is successfully implemented and verified. This role requires relevant technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage complex design challenges in a collaborative environment.
This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of quantum hardware innovation. You will collaborate with leading physicists, quantum theorists, quantum experimentalists, research engineers, systems engineers, technical program managers, supply chain professionals, cloud architects, and external partners to accelerate the scale-up of topological qubits and quantum systems that unlock unprecedented scientific and business value. If you are energized by complex program management challenges, thrive in ambiguity, and have a passion for foundational technologies that redefine what's possible, we invite you to join us and help shape the future of quantum computing.
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain robust Package & Motherboard design processes for quantum devices. Document processes and implement across our global team.

  • Design & drive external packaging material vendors to leverage existing supply chains to deliver solutions needed for packaging of quantum devices.

  • Design & drive PCB designs to deliver solutions needed for cryo/quantum solutions.

  • Simulate Packaging/Motherboard components for Signal & Power Integrity.

  • Own signaling chain - including specifications, material / connector / cable definition from Room-Temperature to Cryo/Quantum temperature logic.

  • Develop and improve electrical and PCB development processes, documentation, quality frameworks, design review practices, design for manufacturing, testability, and validation workflows, manufacturing readiness processes, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.

  • Communicate clearly across technical and executive audiences, synthesize engineering and supplier input into decision frameworks, influence outcomes without direct authority, and mentor junior engineering planning coordinators and engineers while reinforcing Microsoft's values and inclusive culture.

Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications
  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in industry or in a research and development environment, could include completion of a post doctoral research position

    • OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

    • OR equivalent experience.

Other Qualifications:
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:

    • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

    • Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.

  • Ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., measurement, performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day-to-day task automation).

  • Ability to work in an "AI-first" environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelors or Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • 10+ years design experience in Silicon Package Design and PCB Design.
  • Successfully delivered Silicon Packages and Motherboards into production.
  • Knowledge of industry standard tools/methodologies for Package and PCB Design.
  • Proficient in Analog Signal, Power Integrity & Signal Integrity simulations.
  • Self-starter with the ability to define and adhere to a schedule.
  • Good inter-personal skills, able to interface with a variety of external partners (customers, architects, designers, project managers, etc.) and are able to deliver complete layouts to customers.
  • Apply AI to accelerating Analog Layout execution times
  • Package, Motherboard, connector, cable designs at cryo temperatures
  • Experience working directly with PCBs and/or superconducting integrated circuit design teams, fabrication vendors, electronics manufacturing services and contract manufacturers (EMS/CMs), and external suppliers.

  • Apply AI to accelerating Analog Layout execution times

  • Package, Motherboard, connector, cable designs at cryo temperatures

  • Experience working directly with PCBs and/or superconducting integrated circuit design teams, fabrication vendors, electronics manufacturing services and contract manufacturers (EMS/CMs), and external suppliers.

Quantum Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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