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Quantum Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ground Software Engineer II

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

Quantum Space is developing high-performance spacecraft designed for agility, autonomy, and mission longevity in cislunar space. They are seeking a highly skilled Ground Software Engineer II to lead ...

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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:
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.
Control Stack Manager, Center for Quantum Computing

Control Stack Manager, Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon

Pasadena, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,910 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) is a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians, on a mission to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer.
We are looking to hire a Control Stack Manager to join our growing software group. You will lead a team of interdisciplinary scientists and software engineers, focused on developing research software and infrastructure to support the development and operation of scalable fault-tolerant quantum computers. You will interface directly with our experimental physics and control hardware teams to develop and drive a vision for the experimental quantum computing software-hardware interface. The ideal candidate will (1) have strong technical breadth across low-level programming, scientific instrumentation, and computer architecture, (2) have excellent communication skills and a proven track record of collaborating with scientists and hardware engineers, and (3) be excited about empowering and growing a team of scientists and software engineers.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at Amazon, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.
Mentorship & Career Growth
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve in the cloud.
Export Control Requirement
Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be able to obtain a US export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.
Key job responsibilities
- Develop a technical vision for the quantum software-hardware interface in collaboration w/ senior engineers
- Collaborate effectively with science and hardware teams to derive software needs and priorities
- Own resource allocation and planning activities for your team to meet the needs of (internal) customers
- Be comfortable "getting your hands dirty" (i.e. diving deep into architecture, metrics, and implementation)
- Regularly provide technical evaluation and feedback to your reports (i.e. via code review, design docs, etc.)
- Drive hiring activities for your team - develop growth plans, source candidates, and design interview loops
- Coach and empower your employees to become better engineers, scientists, and communicators
We are looking for candidates with strong engineering principles, a bias for action, superior problem-solving, and excellent communication skills. Thriving in ambiguity and leading with empathy are essential. As a manager embedded in a broader research science organization, you will have the opportunity to work on new ideas and stay abreast of the field of experimental quantum computation.
A day in the life
The majority of your time will be spent orchestrating, coaching, and growing the control stack team at the Center for Quantum Computing. This requires collaborating with other science and software teams and working backwards from the needs of our science staff in the context of our larger experimental roadmap. You will translate science needs and priorities into software project proposals and resource allocations. Once project proposals have been accepted, you will support and empower your team to deliver these projects on time while maintaining high standards of engineering excellence. Because many high-level experimental goals have cross-cutting requirements, you'll need to stay in sync with partner science and software teams.
About the team
You will be joining the software group within the Center of Quantum Computing. Our team is comprised of scientists and software engineers who are building scalable software that enables quantum computing technologies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of science or engineering team management experience
- Experience managing the full software development lifecycle and implementing software best practices
- Experience with one or more of the following: (1) Commercial, academic, or open-source quantum control systems; (2) RFSoC development platforms + FPGA development (e.g. AMD ZCU216); (3) Laboratory test and measurement equipment and drivers (e.g. Spectrum Analyzer, VNA)
- Proven track record of collaborating with scientists and/or hardware engineers to develop software
- Experience sourcing, interviewing, and hiring software engineers & scientists
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with one or more of the following: (1) Control software & techniques for quantum computing; (2) Programming language implementation or compiler development; (3) Embedded systems + strict timing constraints (e.g. bare metal, RTOS, custom Linux builds); (4) Software telemetry systems and standards (e.g. CloudWatch, OpenTelemetry); (5) High-performance networking technologies (e.g. RDMA, UltaEthernet, UALink); and (6) Distributed systems (e.g. distributed event streaming)
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, Pasadena - 183,800.00 - 248,700.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

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Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US