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Quantum Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quantum Computing Coach

$17 - $22/hr

... quantum research and academia. Coaches also support the career side of the journey, including resume review, cover letters, LinkedIn review, behavioral interview prep, and technical interview prep ...

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How much do quantum research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for quantum research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in quantum research, and how can they be addressed?

Quantum Research professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technology, complex problem-solving, and the need for continuous learning. Staying current with the latest scientific literature and collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams—such as physicists, computer scientists, and engineers—can help address these challenges. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for explaining advanced concepts to stakeholders and for successful teamwork. Many organizations also support ongoing education and training to help researchers remain at the forefront of this dynamic field.

How to become a quantum researcher?

To become a quantum researcher, typically a strong educational background in physics, quantum mechanics, or related fields is required, often including a Ph.D. for advanced roles. Gaining experience with quantum computing tools, programming languages like Python, and research methodologies is essential, along with publishing research and collaborating with academic or industry teams.

How much do quantum research scientists make?

Quantum research scientists typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in quantum computing or physics may offer higher salaries, especially in research institutions or tech companies.

What is the difference between Quantum Research vs Quantum Engineering?

AspectQuantum ResearchQuantum Engineering
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Physics, Quantum Mechanics, or related fieldsMaster's or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsDevelopment labs, technology companies, product-focused environments
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, government labs, research-focused companiesTech companies, startups, industry R&D divisions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, academic careers, foundational workApplication development, product design, practical implementation

Quantum Research primarily involves exploring theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum phenomena, often within academic or government research settings. Quantum Engineering focuses on applying quantum principles to develop practical technologies like quantum computers and sensors. While both roles require advanced degrees in related fields, their work environments and objectives differ—research vs application.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in quantum research?

To thrive in Quantum Research, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and quantum mechanics, often supported by a Ph.D. or advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with quantum programming languages (such as Qiskit or Cirq), high-performance computing systems, and experience with laboratory or simulation tools are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for advancing scientific understanding, driving innovation, and effectively contributing to complex, multidisciplinary research projects.

What is quantum research?

Quantum research is the scientific study of the principles and applications of quantum mechanics, the branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales. Researchers in this field investigate phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunneling, which have no classical analogs. Quantum research is foundational for developing new technologies like quantum computers, quantum cryptography, and ultra-sensitive sensors. This interdisciplinary field often involves physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

What does a quantum researcher do?

A quantum researcher studies the principles of quantum mechanics to develop new technologies such as quantum computers, sensors, and communication systems. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and use specialized tools like quantum algorithms and simulation software, often working in laboratories or research institutions. Strong knowledge of physics, mathematics, and programming is essential for this role.
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Cities with the most Quantum Research job openings:

What states have the most Quantum Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Quantum Research jobs include:

Infographic showing various Quantum Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Quantum Solutions Engineer (US)

Zapata Quantum

Zapata, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

About the role
We are seeking a Quantum Solutions Engineer to work directly with clients to solve real-world problems with quantum computing. This role sits at the intersection of customer engagement and applied quantum engineering-partnering with clients to understand their use cases, then designing, developing, testing, and benchmarking the quantum algorithms and workflows that turn those use cases into deliverable solutions.
You will own end-to-end technical engagements: scoping problems with customers in domains such as cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials discovery, and defense; translating them into concrete quantum circuits and workflows; performing rigorous resource estimation on both near-term and fault-tolerant hardware; and communicating results clearly back to stakeholders. You will partner closely with quantum software engineers, research scientists, and domain experts, and contribute to deliverables for government and commercial programs.
This position offers a high level of individual ownership and is well-suited to engineers who are comfortable working independently within a small, focused team and engaging directly with technical and business stakeholders. This position is classified as exempt under applicable wage and hour laws.
What you'll do
  • Work directly with clients to scope, develop, test, and deliver quantum proof-of-concept and production engagements that demonstrate measurable value for their use cases
  • Develop, implement, and test quantum algorithms and end-to-end workflows for applications in cryptography, chemistry, finance, materials science, and defense
  • Perform end-to-end resource estimation for quantum workloads on both near-term (NISQ) and fault-tolerant hardware architectures, and communicate trade-offs to clients
  • Build, benchmark, and harden circuit compilation, error mitigation, and algorithmic primitives in service of client deliverables
  • Translate customer and domain-specific problems into well-posed quantum computational tasks and reproducible workflows
  • Serve as the primary technical point of contact during client engagements, communicating progress, results, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Contribute to technical reports, customer-facing deliverables, peer-reviewed publications, and government program deliverables
  • Partner with internal software engineers and scientists to improve the quality, correctness, and performance of product and solution deliverables
  • Independently analyze complex scientific and engineering problems and drive them to a working, validated solution

Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience delivering quantum solutions
  • Deep understanding of quantum computing fundamentals, including the circuit model, quantum error correction, and complexity theory
  • Hands-on experience developing and testing quantum algorithms and primitives (e.g., QPE, VQE, QAOA, Hamiltonian simulation, amplitude amplification, block encoding)
  • Practical experience building quantum workflows and performing resource estimation for realistic problem instances
  • Strong mathematical foundations in linear algebra, probability, and numerical methods
  • Proficiency with quantum-related programming and tooling (e.g., circuit simulation, compilation, resource estimation, scientific computing, or modern quantum SDKs)
  • Track record of peer-reviewed publications, preprints, open-source contributions, or equivalent technical output
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage clients directly and articulate technical results to both scientific and commercial stakeholders
  • Ability to work independently, scope open-ended problems, and manage client deliverables with minimal oversight
  • Familiarity with modern AI tools and a drive to use them to make solution development and delivery more efficient

Preferred Experience
  • Prior experience in a customer-facing technical role (solutions engineering, applied science, technical consulting, or similar)
  • Experience contributing to government-funded quantum research programs
  • Track record of designing and implementing novel quantum algorithms, demonstrated through publications, preprints, or open-source contributions
  • Deep expertise in either quantum chemistry or quantum cryptography
  • Experience leading proof-of-concept engagements from problem scoping through validated deliverable

About Zapata Quantum
Zapata Quantum is shaping the future of quantum computing: setting the standards for what's viable, valuable, and worth building. The Company powers quantum applications across cryptography, pharmaceuticals, finance, materials discovery, defense, and beyond, translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
Zapata is the only organization to have contributed across every technical area of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking program, giving it a uniquely comprehensive view of what it takes to make quantum computing work in practice. Now restructured and sharply focused, Zapata Quantum stands alone as the only publicly traded, pure-play quantum software company fully dedicated to unlocking quantum's commercial potential.
We're rebuilding at a pivotal moment for the industry-bringing together a team that will help define how quantum delivers value in the real world, with the opportunity for meaningful ownership as we shape the commercial path forward.