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Quantum Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work directly with quantum compiler, cloud, and hardware engineering teams to build highly optimized hybrid workflows specifically tuned for IonQ's trapped-ion architecture. Your goal is to make the ...

Hardware Engineer

Richland, MI ยท On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Hardware Engineer Job Location: Richland, MI (Onsite- 5 days a week) Hire Type: Long-term Contract SKILL SET AND RESPONSIBILITIES Hardware engineers must be fluent in the following:

QPU Software Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Role Overview We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our QPU SW Engineering team ... In this role, you will develop the software that orchestrates and controls our quantum hardware ...

QPU Software Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Role Overview We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our QPU SW Engineering team ... In this role, you will develop the software that orchestrates and controls our quantum hardware ...

Senior Quantum Analog Layout Engineer

Redmond, WA ยท On-site

$123K - $165K/yr

As a Senior Quantum Analog Layout Engineer on the Quantum 1st Party Hardware ASIC team, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing Microsoft's quantum analog infrastructure, driving Analog ...

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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 9, 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.
More about Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Quantum Hardware Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Quantum Hardware Engineer jobs include:
Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications

Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications

IonQ

College Park, MD โ€ข Hybrid

$167K - $219K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location: This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD.
Travel: 10% domestic and international
Job ID:
1490ย 

The Role:ย 

We are looking for a Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications to lead the technical development in utilizing IonQ's quantum computers to create highly differentiated quantum solutions that will bring value to society. As a Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications, you will be part of the new Quantum Applications team based in College Park, Maryland , you will be a key link to the University of Maryland ecosystem, serving as a bridge to collaborate with world-class faculty and researchers both at UMD and at institutions globally.

You will operate at the intersection of two frontiers: pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge academic research on latest quantum hardwares and developing the next generation of quantum algorithms poised to solve real-world problems better than state-of-the-art classical methods. You will play a key role in developing core IP, computational resource models, long-term roadmaps and end-to-end workflows that have the potential to disrupt the field of computing. You will also work closely with product, engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, propose complex, multi-year initiatives and represent IonQ at high-visibility technical conferences (often all in a single day)!

Responsibilities:

  • Practical Algorithm Innovation: Lead the hands-on development of Fault-Tolerant Application-Scale Quantum (FASQ) algorithms designed to scale for real-world impact. You will emphasize "hardware-aware" FASQ, ensuring research is rooted in the constraints of practical early fault-tolerant systems to drive scientific and commercial breakthroughs.
  • Full-Stack & Hardware-Centric Optimization: Work directly with quantum compiler, cloud, and hardware engineering teams to build highly optimized hybrid workflows specifically tuned for IonQ's trapped-ion architecture. Your goal is to make the best use of available quantum hardware for proof-of-principle demonstrations and experiments, moving beyond abstract error correction theory.
  • Rigorous Algorithm Analysis: Conduct deep technical evaluations comparing quantum algorithms of interest against relevant state-of-the-art classical algorithms. You will identify the specific performance characteristics and scaling behaviors that define the boundary between classical and quantum capabilities.
  • Academic Strategy & Advocacy: Act as a primary advocate for IonQ's academic presence by actively engaging with the UMD faculties. You will guide, propose, and initiate impactful academic research projects that carry significant industrial weight and commercial potential.
  • IP & External Influence: Build a robust portfolio of foundational IP and high-impact-factor, peer-reviewed publications. You will represent IonQ's technical vision at major conferences and in high-level discussions with external stakeholders, emphasizing our path to practical, application-scale quantum advantage.
Requirements:
  • Advanced Degree: Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field with 5+ years of professional work experience in quantum research.
  • Demonstrated Expertise in Quantum Algorithms: This is the core of the role. You must have a proven track record of developing and implementing novel quantum algorithms (e.g., FASQ, FTQC, or NISQ) for real-world applications.
  • Strong Research Portfolio: A history of high-impact research, supported by a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications or significant contributions to production-grade quantum codebases.
  • Technical Stack Proficiency: Mastery of Python and Qiskit (or similar quantum SDKs), along with experience in High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
Preferred Experience:
  • Hardware Awareness: While we don't expect you to build the hardware, a deep familiarity with the operation and physical principles of trapped-ion quantum computers is a significant advantage.
  • Hardware-Centric Optimization: Experience working directly with hardware engineering teams to tune algorithms for specific architecture constraints.
  • Error Mitigation: Proficiency in hardware-level error mitigation and advanced compilation strategies.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $167,808 - $219,704. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.