What is a quantum engineer?

How does quantum engineering work?

In simplest terms, quantum physics is a field of study that examines physical matter and its behaviors at the quantum level, where the uncertainty principle holds. The uncertainty principle states that we cannot know the momentum and position of a particle with complete accuracy or precision.

This has powerful implications for particle matter such as molecules, atoms and atomic components --such as electrons or photons. Quantum engineering is the art of detecting, isolating and controlling the quantum states of such particles for scientific research and the engineering of practical quantum devices.

Quantum researchers and engineers use comprehensive knowledge across several disciplines to design lasers, magnetism and microwaves to control the quantum states of particle matter and manipulate the uncertainty principle. They also employ quantum principles such as superposition to measure and control particles in ways that can lead to new devices and systems. Examples of emerging quantum systems include sensors and accelerated computing platforms.

What does a quantum engineer do?

Quantum engineers are the technical professionals who translate the discoveries and principles of quantum mechanics into the design and construction of practical quantum devices and systems.

Quantum engineers can be involved in various projects, including designing quantum hardware, and developing quantum algorithms and software to operate quantum hardware. More specific responsibilities include the following:

• Designing, constructing, deploying, operating and maintaining hardware devices built to use quantum mechanics.
• Understanding and applying varied technologies -- such as electronic system design and high-frequency electronics.
• Developing software applications to implement quantum algorithms and operate quantum hardware.

Quantum engineers rarely work alone due to quantum mechanics' complexity and nuanced nature. They are typically part of larger teams of quantum physicists, data scientists, engineers from varied disciplines and programmers.

What are some applications of quantum engineering?

The applications of quantum engineering are extensive and affect all types of advanced computing, data collection and communication. Some of the most noteworthy applications of quantum engineering include the following:

• Quantum sensors. This involves the development, design and manufacturing of extremely sensitive sensor devices capable of delivering precise measurements for navigation, imaging and IoT devices.
• Quantum communication. This involves developing fast and secure communication networks using devices based on quantum physics.
• Quantum simulation. Quantum computers can design and test complex systems such as chemistry, biology, mechanics, and energy generation and storage.
• Quantum imaging. Quantum sensors can deliver the accuracy and precision needed for more detailed imaging.
• Materials science. Quantum computing can deliver the computing power needed to simulate sophisticated molecular interactions, allowing the development of new materials with highly desirable properties suited for commercial, industrial and military applications.
• Pharmaceutical science. Quantum computing capabilities can help analyze and develop potential new drugs by simulating complex molecules and DNA and their interactions with human physiology.
• Cybersecurity. Quantum computers' extensive computing power enables the development of powerful cryptography based on quantum principles, such as quantum entanglement, and new encryption, such as the quantum key distribution system. Quantum computers can also perform extensive real-time analysis of traffic patterns to determine potential malicious activity on a broad scale, tightening cybersecurity.
• Machine learning and AI. Quantum computing can accelerate the training and tuning of sophisticated machine learning (ML) algorithms and AI applications.
• Finance. Quantum computers in financial services can deliver fast and efficient analytics for extremely complex risk assessment, fraud detection, and financial modeling and forecasting.

What kind of quantum engineering programs are there?

Finding a single, all-encompassing educational path to quantum engineering can be challenging because the field encompasses many disciplines -- each worthy of a degree. However, quantum career seekers can find quantum engineering training today at every level, including the following:

• High school offers STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) studies of the field and its potential uses.
• Undergraduate degrees embrace many of the core disciplines of quantum engineering, including the following degrees:
  • Physics. Degrees would include a quantum emphasis such as quantum physics or quantum information.
  • Hardware engineering. Degrees include cryogenics and system development.
  • Software engineering.
  • Mathematics. Degrees include data science.
  • Electronic engineering. Degrees include computer engineering.
• Graduate degrees generally build on undergraduate degrees, bringing a broader, deeper focus to quantum mechanics, theory and applications -- with a heavy emphasis on research and industry collaboration. Universities such as MIT, Harvard, Princeton, the University of Delaware and the University of Chicago are noted for their programs, including quantum science and engineering, quantum computing, quantum engineering and quantum information science.
• Workplace training can provide hands-on opportunities to work with new devices and technologies. Major universities also offer professional development curricula to help leaders understand quantum technologies' principles, uses and issues.

What other qualifications or skills are required to be a quantum engineer?

Quantum engineers use a broad range of knowledge that requires extensive education, and technical, business and soft skills. A common skill set for a quantum engineer can include the following:

• Quantum computing expertise. Quantum computing should involve a comprehensive understanding of quantum communication, algorithms, cryptography and information processing. This should translate into practical knowledge of quantum devices such as ion traps, nuclear magnetic resonance, cavity quantum electrodynamics, photonics and more traditional electronic systems.
• NISQ expertise. Quantum engineers should have an advanced understanding of quantum computing that meets the level of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computing. This raises the bar for quantum computer design, which seeks to implement less noisy, more accurate and more fault-tolerant systems than previous quantum computers.
• Mathematical expertise. The scope of mathematical knowledge should include mastery of probability theory, linear algebra and complex numbers.
• Programming expertise. Quantum engineers can program in various languages, including classical Python, R, C and C++, and an array of languages more closely tailored for quantum computing -- such as TensorFlow, Qiskit, Cirq and PennyLane.
• ML and AI expertise. Quantum systems are complex and often require ML and AI platforms to build and operate successfully. ML and AI can also play an important role in designing and building traditional and quantum computing combinations.
• Business expertise. Quantum engineers are often involved in business issues related to quantum systems and devices. They will benefit from strong business-related skills, communication, collaboration, analytical and critical thinking, and clear expression in writing and presenting research.

What's the future of quantum engineering?

Quantum engineering offers capabilities, systems and devices that have the potential to outperform similar traditional technologies significantly -- but there's a catch. Quantum technologies are considered niche solutions, and important developments such as quantum computers are not commercial products. Sales of staple systems such as quantum computers will be limited and require significant support. Like the presence of more traditional mainframes in the 1970s, only the largest businesses can justify such investments, and most tasks suited to quantum engineering are beyond commercial use cases.

A January 2025 article by investment publication The Motley Fool expects the quantum computing market to grow at about 33% compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2029. Such predictions can seem attractive, but startups already see high valuations, and stock price fluctuations will closely track each quantum organization's fortunes. This means quantum engineering -- and the job opportunities built around the technology -- will likely be volatile into the foreseeable future.

However, there is demand for quantum engineering. Exotic investments such as quantum computers are bound to find a natural home with cloud computing providers that can deliver extraordinary computing power as a quantum computing service. Government and military use of quantum technologies can also foster quantum engineering needs.

Quantum engineers can find potential employment in an array of specialized quantum technologies, such as quantum sensing, quantum hardware engineering, quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum algorithm development, quantum software development, quantum data science, quantum ML and AI, quantum business strategy and quantum project management. Most of these opportunities will come from quantum technology startup businesses seeking cutting-edge solutions to bring to market.