1

Quantum Software Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Scientist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

... engineers turning two decades of laboratory research into the best commercial quantum memory ... Software * Contribute to our Python codebase for numerical modeling and optimization of optical ...

Senior Optical Scientist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

... engineers turning two decades of laboratory research into the best commercial quantum memory ... Software * Contribute to our Python codebase for numerical modeling and optimization of optical ...

Senior Optical Scientist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

... engineers turning two decades of laboratory research into the best commercial quantum memory ... Software * Contribute to our Python codebase for numerical modeling and optimization of optical ...

PLC Control Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

... software solutions in a heavy industrial environment. The position is responsible for providing ... Schneider Electric Square D, Schneider Electric Quantum, Concept, Proworks, Unity, Symax Square D ...

Manager, Boomi Integration Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73 - $94/hr

... and quantum computing to design and implement real-world solutions for a variety of business ... Minimum of five years of experience in enterprise software engineering, with at least 3+ years in a ...

... data science, engineering, and advanced mathematics. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving ... Adapts instruction using matrix visualization tools, computational software like MATLAB or Python ...

Linear Algebra Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... data science, engineering, and advanced mathematics. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving ... Adapts instruction using matrix visualization tools, computational software like MATLAB or Python ...

Showing results 41-60

Quantum Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65.5K

$152.1K

$211.9K

How much do quantum software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for quantum software engineer in Chicago, IL is $152,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,700.00 and $178,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quantum software engineer?

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 does a quantum software engineer do?

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.

What is a quantum software engineer?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Quantum Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Quantum Software Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,091 per year, or $73.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a scientist to help advance the emerging field of networked and distributed quantum computing. This position offers the opportunity to shape new architectures, software systems, simulation capabilities, and experimental workflows for connecting quantum devices with classical computing and networking infrastructure. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that brings together expertise in quantum information science, computer systems, networking, high-performance computing, and scientific applications.
The scientist will have access to Argonne's quantum research capabilities, advanced computing facilities, and the broader Chicago quantum ecosystem. They will establish and lead independent research directions while contributing to multidisciplinary projects and externally sponsored programs. The scientist will produce high-impact research, broadly useful software and systems capabilities, and sustained collaborations within Argonne and with universities, national laboratories, government agencies, and other research organizations.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Conduct independent and collaborative research in quantum networking, distributed quantum computing, quantum-system architectures, or closely related areas.
  • Develop models, algorithms, simulation capabilities, and research software for the design and evaluation of networked quantum systems.
  • Investigate system-level challenges involving architectures, protocols, resource management, scheduling, control, performance, reliability, and integration of heterogeneous quantum and classical resources.
  • Formulate new research directions and contribute to research proposals, sponsor interactions, project planning, and execution of externally funded programs.
  • Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and communicate results through presentations, software releases, technical reports, and other research artifacts.
  • Build collaborations across disciplines and institutions and provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Mentor students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior staff and contribute to a collegial research culture that values scientific rigor, collaboration, and professional development.

Position Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • RD3: Ph.D. in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, plus at least 4 years of relevant research experience.
  • Demonstrated research contributions in one or more of the following areas:
  • Quantum networking, distributed quantum computing, quantum computer systems or architectures, quantum-network simulation, computer networks or distributed systems, performance modeling of computing or communication systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to define and pursue significant research directions and conduct research with substantial independence.
  • Record of scientific or technical accomplishment demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, significant research software, technical systems, datasets, patents, or comparable research artifacts.
  • Evidence of professional visibility or external recognition appropriate to career stage, such as invited presentations, widely used software, leadership in collaborative research, professional service, awards, or citations of published work.
  • Experience developing research software using Python, C, C++, or comparable programming languages.
  • Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams and communicate technical results clearly through publications, presentations, and interactions with research, sponsor, and broader stakeholder audiences.
  • Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Desired but Not Required Qualifications
  • Experience developing or using quantum-network or distributed-quantum-computing simulators.
  • Knowledge of quantum communication protocols, entanglement generation and distribution, quantum repeaters, quantum memories, or quantum error management.
  • Experience with system architecture, resource allocation, scheduling, control-plane design, or orchestration for distributed or quantum computing systems.
  • Experience integrating quantum-system models with classical networking, high-performance computing, or scientific workflow environments.
  • Experience collaborating with experimental quantum researchers or evaluating software and architectural concepts using experimental systems.
  • Experience leading technical tasks or coordinating research activities across multiple institutions or disciplinary teams.
  • Experience preparing research proposals or contributing to sponsored research programs.
  • Experience mentoring students, postdoctoral researchers, or junior technical staff.
  • Familiarity with open-source software development practices, including collaborative development, testing, documentation, release management, and community engagement.

Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Computer Science 3
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $116,250.00 - $181,350.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.