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Senior Quantum Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Quantum Scientist

Boulder, CO · Hybrid

$126K - $166K/yr

You will need a PhD in physics or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in atomic or qubit ... A solid background in quantum control, with hands-on experience in calibration, benchmarking, or ...

IonQ

Senior Quantum Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

You will need a PhD in physics or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in atomic or qubit ... A solid background in quantum control, with hands-on experience in calibration, benchmarking, or ...

IonQ

Senior Quantum Field Engineer - Bioscience

As a Senior Quantum Field Engineer, you'll be part of a team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its ... Physics or Engineering * Motivated learner with a strong passion for applied Quantum Mechanics ...

Microsoft

Senior Quantum Analog Layout Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$123K - $165K/yr

Our full-stack strategy spans the physics of quantum devices through scalable readout and control ... As a Senior Quantum Analog Layout Engineer on the Quantum 1st Party Hardware ASIC team, you will ...

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Senior Quantum Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

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How much do senior quantum physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior quantum physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for quantum physicists?

There is increasing demand for quantum physicists due to advancements in quantum computing, quantum communication, and related technologies. Employers in academia, government research labs, and private industry seek experts with strong analytical skills, knowledge of quantum mechanics, and experience with programming tools like Qiskit or Cirq. Job growth is expected to continue as quantum technologies become more commercially viable.

What can you do with a quantum physicist degree?

A quantum physicist degree prepares individuals for research and development roles in academia, government labs, or industry, focusing on quantum mechanics, quantum computing, and related technologies. Graduates often work as researchers, data analysts, or technical consultants, utilizing skills in advanced mathematics, programming, and experimental techniques.

What does a Senior Quantum Physicist do?

A Senior Quantum Physicist conducts advanced research on the principles and applications of quantum mechanics. They design and oversee experiments, develop theoretical models, and analyze data to further understanding of quantum phenomena. This role often involves leading research teams, publishing findings, and collaborating with other scientists or engineers on projects such as quantum computing or quantum communication. Senior Quantum Physicists also mentor junior researchers and contribute to the strategic direction of research initiatives.

Who is the 15 year old with a PhD in quantum mechanics?

There are no known cases of a 15-year-old holding a PhD in quantum mechanics, as this level of academic achievement typically requires many years of study beyond high school. Most senior quantum physicists have completed advanced degrees in physics or related fields after undergraduate studies. Exceptional young talents may contribute to research, but earning a PhD at that age is extremely rare and not representative of typical career paths in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Quantum Physicists when transitioning from academic research to industry roles?

Senior Quantum Physicists moving into industry often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, aligning research objectives with commercial goals, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams that may include engineers and software developers. While academic research often allows for deep, exploratory investigation, industry roles typically emphasize deliverables and practical applications. Building strong communication skills and learning to prioritize projects based on business needs can help ease the transition and lead to greater success in industry settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Quantum Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Quantum Physicist, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in physics or a related field, with deep expertise in quantum mechanics, mathematics, and experimental or theoretical research. Mastery of specialized tools such as quantum simulation software, programming languages (like Python or MATLAB), and experience with laboratory equipment or quantum computing platforms is typically required. Outstanding analytical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for leading research projects and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities enable the development of innovative solutions, drive scientific progress, and ensure successful outcomes in complex quantum research initiatives.

What did Albert Einstein say about quantum physics?

Albert Einstein contributed significantly to quantum physics, famously expressing skepticism about its completeness with his phrase 'God does not play dice,' highlighting his concern over the theory's probabilistic nature. Despite his reservations, he helped develop early quantum concepts like the photoelectric effect, for which he received the Nobel Prize, and his work remains foundational in the field for senior quantum physicists to understand and explore further.
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Senior Quantum Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Quantum Physicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Senior Quantum Scientist

Senior Quantum Scientist

IonQ

Boulder, CO • Hybrid

$126K - $166K/yr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Location: This role is based out of our Boulder, CO office. We offer a hybrid work model, allowing for remote work a few days per week.
Travel: 
Job ID: 1565 

The Role: 

We are pioneering advancements in quantum computing by utilizing trapped ion technology and our proprietary laser-free quantum control methods. Our research and development efforts build on our fully integrated quantum processors that can be fabricated within standard silicon foundries. This unique approach allows us to leverage the highest-performing qubit technology while ensuring scalability and manufacturability using existing semiconductor fabrication technology. We approach quantum computing with a focus on minimizing errors, striving to achieve ultra-low gate errors at scale. Our immediate objective is to develop functional quantum computers within the NISQ regime, aiming to construct fault-tolerant machines that require minimal QEC overhead. Our recent breakthroughs include achieving 99.97% fidelity in two-qubit gates and 99.9992% fidelity in single-qubit operations without error correction, setting new industry standards for performance.

Responsibilities:

As a Quantum Scientist, you will be at the forefront of our research efforts, working hands-on with our current hardware while helping to shape future generations of quantum processors. Your work will span designing, debugging, and executing experiments, developing novel control schemes, and pushing the boundaries of system performance.

You will:

  • Prototype and characterize coherent control and cooling schemes for trapped-ion qubits using laser and microwave fields.
  • Calibrate and benchmark quantum systems, focusing on achieving ultra-low gate errors and optimizing performance across device modules.
  • Validate emerging trap technologies, including integrated electronics and photonics for large-scale architectures.
  • Analyze experimental data, debug complex hardware/software interactions, and ensure reliability of qubit operations.
  • Present results internally and externally, representing Oxford Ionics at conferences and in collaborations.

Requirements:

You will need a PhD in physics or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in atomic or qubit-related physics. While prior postdoctoral or industry experience is valuable, this role is also open to candidates moving directly from a PhD. A solid background in quantum control, with hands-on experience in calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control of qubits, will be key to success. Practical skills in control software, hardware integration, or experimental data analysis are also important.

You will need:

  • Proven expertise in experimental AMO physics or quantum computing.  Experience with trapped ions is preferred.
  • Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a fast-moving team
  • Prior experience in one or more of the following: spectroscopy or simulation of multi-level systems, characterization of control hardware, gate fidelity benchmarking or running algorithms on hardware
  • Strong proficiency in programming and data analysis.
  • A track record of scientific communication through publications, talks and conferences.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $166,127. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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