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Quantum Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Q-CTRL

Principal Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$260K - $335K/yr

About the team At Q-CTRL, Quantum Computing Engineering is a global team of software engineers and infrastructure experts,combining deep technical expertise with a startup mindset to deliver real ...

Q-CTRL

Principal Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$260K - $335K/yr

About the team At Q-CTRL, Quantum Computing Engineering is a global team of software engineers and infrastructure experts,combining deep technical expertise with a startup mindset to deliver real ...

Q-CTRL

Principal Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$260K - $335K/yr

About the team At Q-CTRL, Quantum Computing Engineering is a global team of software engineers and infrastructure experts,combining deep technical expertise with a startup mindset to deliver real ...

IonQ

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

IonQ's newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting ... Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ...

Vector Atomic

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex ... Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ...

Vector Atomic

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA

$136K - $179K/yr

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex ... Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ...

Vector Atomic

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world's most complex ... Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ...

IonQ

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA

$142K - $186K/yr

Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers ...

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All JobsQuantum Software Engineer JobsQuantum Software Engineer Jobs in California

Quantum Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do quantum software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Quantum Software Engineer, you need a deep understanding of quantum computing principles, proficiency in classical programming languages (such as Python or C++), and experience with quantum SDKs (like Qiskit or Cirq), often supported by a degree in computer science, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with simulators, cloud-based quantum platforms, and sometimes certifications in quantum programming are also highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and adaptability help set excellent candidates apart. These skills and qualities are vital for building practical quantum applications and advancing technology in a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Quantum Software Engineer?

Quantum Software Engineers usually spend their days designing, coding, and testing quantum algorithms, often using specialized quantum software libraries and simulators. They collaborate closely with quantum physicists, classical software engineers, and researchers to translate theoretical concepts into efficient, practical solutions. Regular tasks also include debugging code, optimizing performance on quantum and hybrid systems, and staying updated with the latest advances in quantum hardware and software. Effective teamwork and ongoing learning are central to success in this dynamic, research-driven environment.

How much do quantum software engineers make?

Quantum software engineers typically earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, with experienced professionals and those working at leading tech companies earning higher salaries. Compensation can vary based on experience, education, location, and expertise in quantum algorithms and programming languages like Qiskit or Cirq.

Are quantum engineers in demand?

Quantum engineers are in high demand due to the growing development of quantum computing and related technologies. Companies and research institutions seek professionals skilled in quantum algorithms, hardware, and software, often requiring knowledge of quantum programming languages like Qiskit or Cirq. The field offers strong job growth prospects for those with specialized skills and relevant certifications.

What does a quantum software engineer do?

A quantum software engineer develops algorithms and software to run on quantum computers, focusing on optimizing quantum circuits and error correction. They often work with quantum programming languages like Qiskit or Cirq and require knowledge of quantum mechanics, programming skills, and familiarity with quantum hardware environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes certifications or advanced degrees.

What is a Quantum Software Engineer job?

A Quantum Software Engineer develops algorithms, software, and applications for quantum computers. They work with quantum programming languages like Qiskit, Cirq, or PennyLane to implement quantum algorithms that solve complex problems more efficiently than classical computers. Their role involves understanding quantum mechanics, optimizing quantum circuits, and collaborating with researchers to bridge the gap between theory and practical implementation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quantum Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Quantum Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Quantum Software Engineer jobs in California? For Quantum Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quantum Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Quantum Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Quantum Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Quantum Software Engineer job openings:
Quantum Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quantum Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Q-CTRL

Los Angeles, CA

$260K - $335K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

About the team
At Q-CTRL, Quantum Computing Engineering is a global team of software engineers and infrastructure experts,combining deep technical expertise with a startup mindset to deliver real impact through software innovation. Our work is underpinned by robust standards, and by embracing the three virtues. Our team excels in areas across back-end, front-end, machine learning, and platform engineering.
 
We transform Q-CTRL’s world-leading technological breakthroughs into commercial software products with applications across defense, research, and industry. We work closely with Product, Design, and Research teams to accelerate the path to quantum advantage worldwide.

About the role
We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the architectural evolution of Q-CTRL’s product portfolio, enabling faster delivery, greater scalability, and enhanced Product team autonomy. This role is critical in realizing the Opal Suite architecture - a scalable and resilient ecosystem for supporting rapid product innovation and expansion. Reporting to the VP of Software Engineering, you will oversee efforts across multiple teams and departments, working closely with their Technical Leads, Research and Engineering Managers. 
 
As a thought leader in system architecture, you will drive technical excellence across teams, guiding the development of a modular, high-performance architecture that supports seamless integrations and empowers Product teams to innovate independently and at speed.
What you'll be doing:
  • Driving architectural direction as an individual contributor across products with an emphasis on back-end and platform engineering, yet with a mindset that is agnostic of a specific technology stack.
  • Influencing technical strategy and OKRs, aligning stakeholders across multiple teams and seniority levels, with a horizon beyond 12 months.
  • Setting and driving engineering excellence across the organization, particularly around patterns and abstractions that span products and domains.
  • Overseeing (and often owning) large cross-team and cross-department technical solutions, involving technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Mentoring engineers at all levels on technical topics, particularly around system design, acting as a dotted-line leader in some instances, with the assistance of an Engineering Manager.
  • Expertly articulating trade-offs in complex design to audiences inclusive of executive and senior leadership.
  • Spending around 30% of time coding and 70% of time leading, flexing these percentages depending on company needs.
Ideally you'll have:
  • 10+ years of software engineering experience as a passionate individual contributor with a focus on software product architecture.
  • Experience with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure-as-code tools.
  • A physics background is not required however, a keen desire to rapidly learn and upskill in quantum computing technologies is critical.
  • High performance computing and/or machine learning experience a bonus.
Critical skills necessary:
  • Proven track record of leading cross-disciplinary architectural transformations, particularly in cloud-native and microservices environments.
  • Expertise in designing and implementing high-performance data storage, APIs, workflow orchestration, event-driven, and distributed systems.
  • Exceptional technical documentation and communication skills (architecture diagrams, design documents, technical decisions).
  • Strong programming skills in languages like Python, Rust, and Go.
Salary
The targeted base salary range for this position is between $260,000 - $335,000 and will ultimately be determined by specific job-related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors. Depending on the position offered, this role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses, equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted base salary range. For more information on benefits at Q-CTRL, please visit our careers page at https://q-ctrl.com/careers.
 
Should you have any questions related to the compensation package, please speak directly with the Talent Acquisition representative.

About Q-CTRL
Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.
 
Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, and Oxford. Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business. We work quickly to turn cutting-edge science into deployable technology.
 
In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.
 
At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture. If you’re ready to help shape the future of quantum, we’d love to hear from you!
 
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
 
Please be advised that our communications will only come from the @q-ctrl.com domain. All our active job postings are available on our company website.
 
To recruitment agencies, we do not accept unsolicited branded profiles and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.