ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Quantum Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Microsoft

Senior Quantum Analog Layout Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$123K - $165K/yr

As a Senior Quantum Analog Layout Engineer on the Quantum 1st Party Hardware ASIC team, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing Microsoft's quantum analog infrastructure, driving Analog ...

Rigetti And Company Inc

$175 - $200/hr

We are looking for an experienced Quantum Engineer to drive the two-qubit gate performance of our tunable-coupler superconducting quantum processors. Two-qubit gate fidelity is one of the most ...

New

IonQ

Senior Quantum Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

We are pioneering advancements in quantum computing by utilizing trapped ion technology and our ... Strong proficiency in programming and data analysis. * A track record of scientific communication ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsScience JobsPhysics JobsPhysicist JobsSenior Quantum Programmer Jobs

Senior Quantum Programmer information

See salary details

$13

$52

$71

How much do senior quantum programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior quantum programmer in the United States is $52.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.99 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior quantum programmer?

A Senior Quantum Programmer is an advanced professional specializing in designing, developing, and optimizing algorithms for quantum computers. They work with quantum programming languages, such as Qiskit or Cirq, to solve complex computational problems that are difficult or impossible for classical computers. Their responsibilities often include leading quantum software projects, collaborating with physicists and engineers, and mentoring junior team members. Senior Quantum Programmers typically have a strong background in quantum mechanics, computer science, and mathematics. They play a key role in advancing the practical applications of quantum computing in various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior quantum programmer?

To thrive as a Senior Quantum Programmer, you need advanced knowledge of quantum computing concepts, quantum algorithms, and strong programming skills in languages such as Python and Qiskit, often supported by a degree in physics, computer science, or related fields. Familiarity with quantum computing frameworks (e.g., IBM Qiskit, Google Cirq), cloud-based quantum platforms, and sometimes certifications in quantum programming are highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and adaptability to rapidly evolving technologies help set top candidates apart. These skills are vital for developing efficient quantum solutions, driving innovation, and contributing to the progress of this cutting-edge field.

What are some common challenges faced by senior quantum programmers when translating classical algorithms to quantum circuits?

Senior Quantum Programmers often encounter challenges in efficiently mapping classical algorithms onto quantum circuits due to limitations in quantum hardware, such as qubit coherence times and gate fidelity. Additionally, they must optimize algorithms to reduce the number of required qubits and operations, as current quantum computers are still relatively small and error-prone. Collaboration with physicists and hardware engineers is essential to address these challenges and to ensure that practical constraints are considered during development. Staying updated with rapidly evolving quantum frameworks and best practices is also key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Senior Quantum Programmer vs Quantum Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Quantum ProgrammerQuantum Software Engineer
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in Physics, Computer Science, or related fields; experience with quantum algorithmsSimilar credentials; focus on software development and programming skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, academiaTech firms, startups, research institutions
Industry UsageQuantum computing research and developmentDevelopment of quantum applications and software tools

Both roles require strong backgrounds in quantum computing and programming. The Senior Quantum Programmer often leads complex projects and research initiatives, while the Quantum Software Engineer focuses on developing and implementing quantum algorithms and software solutions. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and work environments, but differ mainly in seniority and scope of responsibilities.

More about Senior Quantum Programmer jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Quantum Programmer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Quantum Programmer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Quantum Programmer jobs?

The most popular types of Quantum Programmer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Quantum Programmer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Quantum Programmer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Senior Quantum Programmer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Quantum Programmer jobs are:

Senior Quantum Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Quantum Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,736 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Senior Quantum Engineer, Gate Calibration

Rigetti Computing

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Quantum Engineer to drive the two-qubit gate performance of our tunable-coupler superconducting quantum processors.

Two-qubit gate fidelity is one of the most consequential challenges in quantum computing, and it sits at the center of our roadmap toward error correction. In this role, you will design, execute, and interpret the experiments that propel our near- and long-term gate performance at scale. You will identify the dominant sources of two-qubit gate error on our processors, isolate their physical origin, and eliminate them - through pulse engineering, calibration methodology, error suppression strategies, or feedback to design and fabrication. Your conclusions will directly inform device design, control strategy, and platform-level decisions.

This is a role with substantial autonomy and ownership. You will directly influence the technical direction for gate performance work through the rigorous design and execution of your test plans, measurement and improvement of relevant metrics and error budgeting, and shaping of research priorities. You will do this in a deeply collaborative environment spanning device design, fabrication, control systems, software, theory and R&D, turning proofs of concept into robust procedures that hold up across hundreds of qubit pairs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead experimental programs to characterize, calibrate, and optimize two-qubit gates on tunable-coupler devices, from single-pair physics investigations to full-processor deployment.

  • Identify gate-error bottlenecks (e.g., coherent control error, decoherence, leakage, crosstalk, TLS interactions) for single-pair as well as large-scale systems and isolate their physical origin through targeted experiments, benchmarking, and simulation.

  • Develop and harden calibration methods using techniques such as optimal pulse shaping, dynamical decoupling, and other error suppression strategies, with an emphasis on robustness and automation at scale.

  • Develop and improve metrology for full-processor Hamiltonian and characteristic extraction and correlate with gate performance. Turn that knowledge into actionable feedback for device design, fabrication, and control hardware teams, and drive those changes to closure.

  • Prepare novel Rigetti devices for use by internal applications development teams and external deployment.

  • Stay current with the literature and convert state-of-the-art techniques into working capability on production hardware.

  • Contribute to the field of superconducting quantum computing by converting relevant findings into high-quality publications.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

  • Significant hands-on experience calibrating and characterizing two-qubit gates on superconducting quantum devices; direct experience with tunable couplers is a strong plus.

  • Deep understanding of gate design, pulse engineering, and decoherence mechanisms, with a track record of connecting error diagnostics to concrete fidelity improvements.

  • Demonstrated ability to independently execute complex experimental efforts from concept to validated result.

  • Strong Python skills in a scientific context, and comfort building tools that others rely on.

  • Dogged experimental determination, with the judgment to balance depth of investigation against speed of iteration.

  • Excellent communication skills and a team-first mindset in a strongly collaborative environment.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with quantum simulation frameworks such as QuTiP for gate and noise modeling.

  • Experience deploying calibration or benchmarking procedures across large multi-qubit processors in an industrial or startup setting.

  • Familiarity with randomized benchmarking variants, gate set tomography, cycle benchmarking, or other scalable error diagnostics.

  • Publication record or demonstrated results in high-fidelity entangling gates, error suppression, or quantum control.

  • Experience mentoring junior scientists or leading small technical teams.

$175,000 - $200,000 a year
Base Salary
Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.
As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.

About Rigetti
Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company's proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides ultra-low latency integration with public and private clouds for high-performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry's first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry's first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.

Don't see the job you want? Apply here so we can keep in touch with you when the right role opens up in the future!

Export Licensing Compliance
Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.
apply for this job

Apply