Skills Required for Jobs in Quantum Computing

Quantum computing has long held promise as the next era in information processing, with applications in drug discovery, finance, and encryption. But only in recent years has this technology moved closer to commercial feasibility. With this, a new demand has emerged in the job market: engineers capable of designing, building, and maintaining the next generation of supercomputers.

As big tech companies, governments and investors pour money into building scalable quantum machines, jobs in the now-niche field are expected to grow. from market data quantum insider It is suggested that 250,000 quantum computing jobs will need to be filled globally by 2030. In the United States alone, job postings looking for quantum skills tripled from 2011 to mid-2024, and many of these vacancies were for engineers, according to a report. MIT initiative on digital economy,

“The demand for quantum engineering roles is just beginning,” giancarlo hirschManaging Director of GlaucomasA talent firm that recruits for quantum roles reported ieee spectrum“Everyone in the quantum ecosystem – from recruiters to contractors to suppliers – feels the urgency and pressure to accelerate these projects.”

But how do you break into the industry? Engineers and recruiters say you don’t specifically need a degree in quantum physics to work in this field. Rather, quantum companies are recruiting from fields such as electrical engineering, AI, and semiconductors.

1. Start early, and reverse-engineer your career path

Although quantum computing companies recruit from many disciplines, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the different types of jobs in the field so you can develop the right skills quickly. Before moving forward, interested candidates should “reverse engineer” their career path into the kind of role they want and identify the necessary skills. John BarnesFounder of Quantum Talent Agency complicated situations,

“You first have to ask yourself, ‘What do you want to do? What motivates you? What are your goals and aspirations?’ Barnes says. Then work backwards.

For example, for a role in quantum hardware, you may need to master laser cooling techniques or gain laboratory experience with cryogenic systems. Software positions may include learning Python or Matlab for control libraries and C++ or Rust for low-level programming. Regardless of your chosen path, specificity helps structure your learning journey.

2. Ph.D. Consider getting.

A Ph.D. This isn’t required for every role, but for research-heavy positions – particularly in quantum hardware – it’s still the industry standard, whether it’s a degree in physics, or another field like electrical engineering or computer science.

“Within our scientific teams, an ideal candidate typically holds a PhD, has completed a postdoc and/or has professional experience, all with a strong track record of publications,” says. dan higginbothamSenior Director of Human Resources QuoraA startup developing advanced neutral-atom-based quantum computers.

“The demand for quantum engineering roles is just beginning.” -Giancarlo Hirsch, GloComms

But IBM Quantum, Neerja Sundaresan After receiving his PhD he got a job as a research scientist. in Electrical Engineering. His role involves designing superconducting circuits and packaging them for scalable quantum systems. That work required deep expertise in microwave systems, superconducting qubits, and cryogenic engineering – skills he developed during his doctoral program.

Similarly, Daniela Florentina BogorinA research engineer at IBM Quantum, receiving his Ph.D. brings a background in low-temperature physics and solid-state superconducting materials. in Physics. This level of domain-specific expertise is critical to his current role in managing a laboratory that tests the performance of quantum processors.

For aspiring quantum scientists, internships and fellowships can help early-career talent enter the industry. programs like ibm quantum internship, QTech Academyand this QISE-NET Fellowship Provide practical experience and guidance.

3. Take advantage of transferable skills from other industries

If you’re advanced in your career and want to break into quantum computing, you don’t have to start from scratch. Many quantum companies are actively recruiting engineers from traditional industries.

Before the quantum leap, antoine martin Spent the first 10 years of his career working in robotics, semiconductors, and crypto. He is now a software engineer Alice and BobA Paris-based quantum startup, where it specializes in testing hardware. “You don’t have to be a physicist to work at a quantum company,” says Martin.

According to Alice & Bob’s vice president for people and culture, valentine zattiEngineers in fields like AI, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors already have the skills needed for quantum companies. Some AI experts, for example, are familiar with building scalable, low-latency ecosystems — a core competency in quantum, says Hirsch, a recruiter at Glocom.

4. Enhance your soft skills

Quantum engineering is not just about hard science. For example, recruiters stress the importance of adaptability in a growing field and perseverance when working on projects that last for years.

Being part of a team with physicists also means asking questions and admitting gaps in knowledge. “You have to be comfortable being the least knowledgeable person in the room,” says Martin, an Alice and Bob software engineer. On the other end of these interactions, it’s important to be able to express complex ideas in a digestible way, whether explaining concepts to other subject matter experts or talking to non-technical stakeholders.

5. Don’t judge a work by its title

Quantum job titles can be misleading.

For example, quantum recruiter Barnes points to “scientific sales” roles that involve high-level collaboration with Nobel laureates, professors, and advanced researchers. While Ph.D. When holders hear the word “sales”, they may investigate whether this work requires deep scientific expertise – sometimes more than their previous academic work.

To decode quantum job listings, Barnes advises applicants to examine jobs beyond traditional engineering titles. “The responsibilities and tasks of the job are more important than the title,” he says.

Quantum computing is an emerging, interdisciplinary field that requires engineers from all walks of life. Whether you’re an AI expert, optical physicist, or software developer, there may be a role for you.