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Quantum Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Microsoft

Principal Quantum Engineer

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

As a Principal Quantum Engineer, you will operate at a technical leadership level, guiding development of simulation pipelines and driving decisions. This role expands beyond individual contribution ...

INCA Engineering

Quantum SME

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Quantum Subject Matter Expert (SME) INCA Engineering is seeking a Quantum Engineer SME to provide expert guidance on quantum computing technologies in support of complex GEOINT challenges. The role ...

INCA Engineering

Quantum SME

Washington, DC · On-site

Quantum Subject Matter Expert (SME) INCA Engineering is seeking a Quantum Engineer SME to provide expert guidance on quantum computing technologies in support of complex GEOINT challenges. The role ...

Rigetti Computing

Quantum Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

As a Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing, you will be a key contributor to the development of our gate-based, superconducting quantum computers. Your work will turn experimental ideas into ever ...

INCA Engineering

Quantum SME

Springfield, VA

Quantum Subject Matter Expert (SME) INCA Engineering is seeking a Quantum Engineer SME to provide expert guidance on quantum computing technologies in support of complex GEOINT challenges. The role ...

Microsoft

Quantum Software Engineer II

Redmond, WA · On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

As a Quantum Software Engineer II in the Developer Tools team you will help build the tools to advance quantum research & development. This full stack of tools includes quantum-specific languages ...

Rigetti Computing

Quantum Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$155K - $200K/yr

As a Quantum Engineer at Rigetti Computing, you will be a key contributor to the development of our gate-based, superconducting quantum computers. Your work will turn experimental ideas into ever ...

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How much do quantum programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for quantum programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a quantum programmer?

A quantum programmer is a software developer who writes code to create algorithms and applications that run on quantum computers. They typically use specialized programming languages like Qiskit or Cirq and need knowledge of quantum mechanics and linear algebra to develop and optimize quantum algorithms. This role often requires familiarity with quantum hardware and simulation tools.

Is Q-Ctrl a real company?

Q-Ctrl is a real company that specializes in developing software tools and solutions for quantum computing, including error correction and control techniques. It provides resources for quantum programmers and researchers working with quantum hardware and algorithms.

What did Elon Musk say about quantum computing?

Elon Musk has expressed interest in quantum computing's potential to revolutionize technology, but he has also highlighted concerns about its risks and the need for careful development. As a quantum programmer, understanding these perspectives can inform ethical and innovative approaches to the field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Quantum Programmer?

As a Quantum Programmer, your daily responsibilities may include designing, coding, and testing quantum algorithms using specialized languages and simulators, as well as collaborating closely with physicists, software engineers, and researchers to define computational problems and refine solutions. You might also translate classical algorithms into quantum equivalents, optimize quantum circuits for hardware constraints, and document your code for reproducibility. Additionally, staying updated on rapid advancements in quantum computing and troubleshooting experimental results are key parts of the role. These tasks create a dynamic work environment that blends theoretical exploration with hands-on development and teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Quantum Programmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quantum Programmer, you need a strong background in quantum mechanics, linear algebra, and classical programming, often supported by a degree in physics, computer science, or a closely related field. Familiarity with quantum programming languages like Qiskit, Cirq, or Q#, as well as access to quantum development platforms and possibly certifications in quantum technologies, is highly beneficial. Critical thinking, collaboration, and strong problem-solving skills are valuable soft skills for tackling complex technical challenges and working in multidisciplinary teams. These skills are important to effectively design, implement, and optimize algorithms for emerging quantum computing systems in both research and commercial settings.

What is a Quantum Programmer job?

A Quantum Programmer is a software developer specializing in writing and optimizing algorithms for quantum computers. They work with quantum programming languages like Qiskit, Cirq, or Q# to develop applications in areas such as cryptography, optimization, and machine learning. Their job involves understanding quantum mechanics principles and implementing quantum algorithms that leverage superposition and entanglement for computational advantages. Many Quantum Programmers collaborate with physicists, engineers, and researchers to advance quantum computing technologies.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Quantum programmers working in specialized fields such as quantum computing research, cryptography, or at leading technology companies can earn salaries around or above $300,000 annually, especially with advanced skills, experience, and relevant certifications. High-level roles in software development, data science, and engineering within the tech industry also reach this compensation level. Salary depends on factors like location, company size, and individual expertise.
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Quantum Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Principal Quantum Engineer

Principal Quantum Engineer

Microsoft

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

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
Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented, diverse international team to build the world's first scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack approach spans innovation from the physics of the quantum plane to the delivery of global quantum services. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to fundamentally transform computing to help solve some of humanity's most intractable problems as we enter an accelerated era of quantum advancement.
We are seeking talented, focused individuals to help deliver useful quantum computers. Microsoft is pursuing topological qubits for large-scale quantum computing and partnering with a growing ecosystem of companies to advance quantum systems across every layer of the stack and bring them to market through the Microsoft Quantum accelerator platform. We believe AI can speed up the development of useful quantum computers and shorten the path to their realization. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit https://quantum.microsoft.com/
As a Principal Quantum Engineer, you will guide process integration decisions and fabrication flows via theoretical insights and atomistic simulations. You'll work closely with other experts in atomistic simulations and with fabrication, growth, characterization, and device engineering teams in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape revolutionary technology and accelerate progress toward scalable quantum computing based on topological qubits. As a Principal Quantum Engineer, you will operate at a technical leadership level, guiding development of simulation pipelines and driving decisions. This role expands beyond individual contribution to include technical direction-setting and cross-organization influence.
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
  • Simulation Strategy: Own the simulation roadmap (DFT/MD), for crystalline and amorphous materials, defects, and interfaces.

  • Validation & Optimization: Build models and propose experiments for validation, benchmarking and optimization.

  • Experiment Alignment: Partner with growth/fab/characterization/device teams to close gaps between theory and data and translate results into process windows and material choices.

  • Tooling & Scale: Architect scalable workflows, libraries, and data standards for reliable, high-throughput studies on HPC.

  • Decision Making: Communicate clear recommendations, trade-offs, and risks to engineering and leadership.

  • Other:

    • Embody our culture and values

Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

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

    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

    • OR equivalent experience.
  • As stated in the job posting, this position requires verification of citizenship or other protected status to meet legal requirements of the role. If the role requires US citizenship, as indicated in the job description, a valid US passport must be provided to verify your citizenship. If the role requires US Person status, as indicated in the job description, US citizens must provide a valid US passport for verification while lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may complete this verification using green cards or other status documents, as applicable.

Other Requirements:
  • 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 or Export Administration Regulations, 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 work in an "AI-first" environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.

  • Ability to design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals, design docs).

Additional or preferred qualifications
  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

    • OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

    • OR equivalent experience.

  • Demonstrated technical leadership on complex, multi-disciplinary hardware programs

  • Research experience in atomistic and materials modeling in a commercial or academic setting.

  • Experience with first-principles simulations (e.g., DFT) and molecular dynamics for materials and interfaces.

  • Familiarity with modeling dielectric materials, defects, diffusion, and interfaces.

  • Simulation experience of superconducting and semiconducting materials and their interfaces.

  • Experience modeling finite-temperature dynamics and transport in materials (e.g., diffusion, reactions, amorphization) using MD and related methods.

  • Proficiency with high performance computing environments.

  • Experience with collaborative code development in Python.

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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

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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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