Quantum computing has long promised to be the next era in information processing, with applications in drug discoveryfinance and encryption. But only in recent years has the technology come closer to commercial viability. In this regard, new demand has emerged in Russia. labor market: engineers capable of designing, constructing and maintaining next generation of supercomputers.
How big tech With firms, governments and investors pouring money into building scalable quantum machines, jobs in this niche sector are expected to grow. Market data from Quantum Insider estimates that 250,000 quantum computing jobs will need to be filled worldwide by 2030. United States From 2011 to mid-2024 alone, the number of job openings requiring quantum skills tripled, and many of those jobs were for engineers, according to the report MIT Digital Economy Initiative.
“Demand for quantum engineering the roles have just begun,” Giancarlo Hirschmanaging director of the company Glocommatalent acquisition company that hires for quant roles revealed IEEE spectrum. “Everyone in the quantum ecosystem—from recruiters to contractors to suppliers—feels the need to accelerate these projects.”
But how to break into the industry? Engineers and recruiters say that working in this sector does not require a special education in quantum physics. Rather, quantum companies recruit from fields spanning electrical engineeringAI and semiconductors.
1. Start early and reverse engineer your career
While quantum computing companies recruit from a wide variety of disciplines, it's helpful to become familiar with the different types of jobs in the field so you can acquire the right skills early on. Before starting a job, aspiring candidates should “reverse engineer” their career path into the role they want and identify the necessary skills needed, according to John Barnesfounder of quantum talent agency Confused Positions.
“First of all, you need to ask yourself: “What do you want to do? What motivates you? What are your goals and aspirations? says Barnes. Then work in reverse.
For example, to work in the field of quantum hardware, you may need to master laser cooling technicians or gain laboratory experience working with cryogenic systems. Software positions may include training Python or Matlab for control libraries and C++ or Rust for low level programming. Regardless of the path you choose, specificity helps tailor your learning path.
2. Consider getting a PhD.
Ph.D. isn't required for every position, but for positions that require a lot of research, especially 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.
“In our research groups, the ideal candidate usually has a PhD, post-doctoral training and/or commercial experience, all accompanied by a large number of publications,” says Dan Higginbothamsenior director of human resources of the company KveErastartup developing advanced technologies based on neutral atoms quantum computers.
“The demand for quantum engineering positions has just begun.” — Giancarlo Hirsch, Glocomms
IN IBM Quantum, Neerja Sundaresan got a job as a research assistant after receiving her doctorate. in electrical engineering. Her role is to design superconducting circuits and their packaging for scalable quantum systems. This job requires in-depth knowledge of microwave systems. superconducting qubitsand cryogenic engineering—skills she acquired during her doctoral studies.
Likewise, Daniela Florentina Bogorinresearch engineer at IBM Quantum has a background in low-temperature physics and solid-state superconducting materials, having earned a Ph.D. in physics. This level of domain-specific knowledge is critical to her current role in managing a laboratory that tests performance quantum processors.
For aspiring quantum scientists, internships and fellowships can help young talent break into the industry. Programs such as IBM Quantum internships, KuTech AcademyAnd QISE-NET Scholarship offer hands-on experience and mentorship.
3. Leverage transferable skills from other industries
If you're further along in your career and want to move into a quantum computing position, you don't have to start from scratch. Many quantum companies are actively recruiting engineers from traditional industries.
Before you take the leap into the quantum world, Antoine Martin spent the first 10 years of his career working in roboticssemiconductors and cryptography. He is now a software engineer at Alice and BobParisian quantum startup, where he specializes in hardware testing. “You don’t have to be a physicist to work for a quantum company,” Martin says.
According to Alice & Bob's vice president of people and culture, Valentin Zattiengineers from sectors such as artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticalsand semiconductors already have the skills needed by quantum companies. Some AI professionals, for example, are familiar with building scalable, low-latency ecosystems, a core competency in quantum technology, says Glocomm recruiter Hirsch.
4. Sharpen your soft skills
Quantum engineering is not only an exact science. Recruiters stress the importance of adaptability in a growing field and persistence, such as when working on projects that can last for years.
Being part of a physics team also means asking questions and recognizing gaps in knowledge. “You have to be comfortable being the least knowledgeable person in the room,” says Alice & Bob software engineer Martin. On the other side of this interaction, the key is the ability to articulate complex ideas in a digestible form, whether explaining concepts to other subject matter experts or communicating with non-technical stakeholders.
5. Don't judge a job by its title.
Quantum job titles can be misleading.
For example, quant recruiter Barnes points to “scientific sales” roles that involve high-level collaboration with Nobel laureates, professors and cutting-edge researchers. While Ph.D. owners can check when they hear the word “sales,” this job requires deep scientific knowledge—sometimes more than their previous academic job.
To decipher quant job listings, Barnes advises candidates to check for openings outside of traditional engineering positions. “The responsibilities and functions of a position are much 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 artificial intelligence scientist, an optical physicist, or a software developer, there may be a role for you.
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