Entry-Level Quantum Jobs in United States - A Guide

1. Quantum Software Developer (Associate or Intern)

Just like with regular computers, quantum computers need software to work. That is why a new kind of job has appeared, Quantum software developers. These programmers create special programs that run on quantum machines. As quantum computers get better, more of these software jobs will open up. These developers write code that makes quantum computers solve problems in new ways. It is an exciting new area in programming!

At an entry level, this role requires supporting the coding of quantum programming frameworks like Qiskit, Cirq, Q#, or PennyLane. The responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with research scientists to translate theoretical models into executable code.
• Writing, debugging, and maintaining quantum algorithms or hybrid quantum-classical programs.
• Building example applications or simulations for use in chemistry, optimization, or machine learning.
• Working with classical control software that interfaces with quantum hardware.

This role is optimal for candidates with an understanding of quantum mechanics and linear algebra, and a solid command of Python along with a passion for coding. Such associate and intern positions are often found in quantum startups, national laboratories, and even major technology companies.

Career path: Junior Developer → Quantum Software Engineer → Quantum Algorithm Designer or Tech Lead

2. Junior Quantum Research Assistant

A junior quantum research assistant collaborates with academic or industry researchers to help with theoretical and experimental studies. This position may focus on:

• Assisting with publication drafts, documentation, or grant applications.
• Running numerical simulations of quantum systems or quantum circuits.
• Performing literature reviews and preparing summaries of scientific papers.
• Collecting and analyzing experimental data from quantum devices or simulations.

Research assistants can be found at university-based research groups, at federally funded research centers such as Fermilab, the Berkeley Lab, or NIST, as well as in quantum-focused start-up companies involved in R&D. A bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, or engineering is the minimum requirement, but candidates pursuing or holding master's degrees may have more options.

Career path: Research Assistant → Research Associate → Ph.D. Student or Quantum Scientist

3. Quantum Hardware Technician or Test Engineer

This job involves directly working with the physical parts of quantum computers. Junior technicians and engineers participate in the fabrication, assembly, testing, and maintenance of the hardware systems designed for qubit trapping and manipulation. Common responsibilities include:

• Documenting procedures, troubleshooting hardware issues, and supporting lab operations.
• Installing and maintaining cryogenic infrastructure, dilution refrigerators, and vacuum systems.
• Calibrating and operating microwave electronics for qubit control.
• Performing diagnostic tests on superconducting, ion trap, or photonic quantum processors.

This position is suitable for candidates with a degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or experimental physics. Knowledge in signal processing, control systems, or low-temperature physics is considered a strong plus.

Career path: Hardware Technician → Quantum Hardware Engineer → Experimental Physicist or Qubit Designer

4. Quantum Education and Outreach Developer

This job focuses on teaching people about quantum computing. You would help produce easy-to-understand lessons, videos, and guides for students, programmers, and researchers, who want to learn about this technology. Your work would make quantum concepts clearer and more accessible to everyone interested in this exciting field. Key activities include:

• Developing tutorials, coding exercises, and notebooks using platforms like Qiskit or Braket.
• Collaborating with curriculum designers and advocacy teams to support learning initiatives.
• Producing technical blogs, documentation, and online learning modules.
• Engaging with online communities through forums, webinars, or virtual hackathons.

If you understand quantum computing well and enjoy teaching or explaining things to others, you will like this job. Experience with content creation, coding education platforms (e.g., Jupyter, EdX), or science communication is useful.

Career path: Quantum Educator → Developer Advocate → Quantum Community Lead or Curriculum Designer

5. Quantum Product Intern or Technical Support Specialist

Although quantum product roles might not draw attention in the early career stages, they provide a robust entry point into the field. These roles focus on assisting in the development, deployment, and user engagement with quantum software or hardware products. Responsibilities include:

• Working with QA teams to validate software performance or hardware functions.
• Assisting with user onboarding, installation, or troubleshooting from a technical perspective.
• Logging feedback and bug reports for engineering or product teams.
• Developing product videos, FAQs, and other supporting documents.

These positions integrate technology and product management with direct user engagement. Ideal candidates who are familiar with quantum development platforms and have strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills stand out. Internships as product managers are particularly large at startups and quantum software firms.

Career path: Product Intern → Product Associate → Quantum Product Manager or Solutions Architect

• Tools Experience: Prior exposure to Qiskit, Cirq, Q#, Braket, or PennyLane is highly recommended.
  
• Soft Skills: Team collaboration, curiosity, problem-solving, and good documentation habits.
  
• Academic Background: Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics.
• Quantum Literacy: Basic understanding of quantum gates, superposition, entanglement, and measurement.
  
• Programming Skills: Python proficiency is essential; familiarity with Jupyter Notebooks and Git is a plus.
  

• Base: $3,000 – $6,000/month (part-time/full-time)

• Base: $90,000 – $120,000/year

• Base: $75,000 – $105,000/year

• Base: $60,000 – $85,000/year

• Base: $95,000 – $115,000/year

• Horizon Quantum Computing
• Classiq Technologies
• Quantum Machines
• Pasqal
• Q-CTRL

• NIST, Sandia, Berkeley Lab, Los Alamos, and universities like Caltech, MIT, UChicago, and Yale.
• Often list research assistant or technician roles tied to funded projects.

• Quantum Jobs USA – Specialized listings and career advice
• NSF REU Programs – Undergraduate summer research in quantum science
• QED-C Internship Portal

• Microsoft Quantum (Internships and junior researcher programs)
• Amazon Braket (Support and SDK development roles)
• IBM Quantum (Developer and education-focused roles)

• Boston, MA - A place with lots of quantum startups is also the home to MIT and Harvard.
• San Francisco Bay Area, CA - Home to other large companies like Google and Rigetti.
• New York City, NY - An emerging center for quantum finance and software jobs.
• Washington, D.C. - Great need from government labs and policy groups.
• Chicago, IL - Along with the Chicago Quantum Exchange, is also known for its top research centers.
• Seattle, WA - Home to Microsoft Azure Quantum, the city has a strong pool of AI talent.
• Los Angeles, CA - Offers positions in aerospace alongside the research opportunities available at Caltech and UCLA.

• MIT xPRO – Quantum Computing Fundamentals
• IBM – Quantum Learning
• Udemy – Complete Quantum Computing
• Quantum Jobs USA – 5 Steps to Start a Career in Quantum Computing
• Quantum Jobs Salary in USA
• Quantum Career Roadmap