As the quantum computing field grows, workers of all sorts are making their way into this exciting new industry. Giancarlo Hirsch, managing director of Glocomms, a talent firm specializing in quantum roles, emphasizes the growing need for skilled individuals in this domain. With companies like IBM Quantum and startups such as QuEra leading the charge, job seekers are eager to understand how to position themselves for success in this evolving landscape.
The quantum job market isn’t just for physicists and researchers either. So many of the world’s top thinkers and doers with software engineering and related specialties are leaving their mark. For example, Antoine Martin and Martin, both software engineers at Alice & Bob, transitioned from careers in robotics and semiconductors to quantum computing. One of their experiences highlights ways the industry is welcoming to non-traditional skill sets.
Although advanced degrees may improve a candidate’s chances, a Ph.D. is not required for all positions in quantum computing. Helping one very motivated student get a research scientist position at IBM Quantum, Neereja Sundaresan celebrated this historic milestone just days after earning her doctorate in electrical engineering. Hirsch and John Barnes, the founder of the quantum talent agency Entangled Positions, both have a clear answer to the latter question, but only half the time. They just don’t think that academic credentials should always be the only thing that you consider.
The Diverse Pathways into Quantum Roles
Those who decide to make the leap into the quantum computing industry are, more often than not, from nontraditional backgrounds. Antoine Martin makes a compelling case in a very accessible way. He reflects on his path from robotics and semiconductors to today’s position as a quantum software engineer. His story illustrates that no matter your background, you can make a pretty big impact in quantum technology. You don’t have to be a physicist to figure that out!
Daniela Florentina Bogorin’s entry to IBM Quantum is impressive. She uses her scientific knowledge, background, and experience to inform her work on equity. Her expertise as a trained scientist further emphasizes the tremendous value of having highly advanced academic training in research-oriented positions. Her story shows that the field is more often embracing people who come to it from different paths.
Giancarlo Hirsch, another quantum advocate, urges would-be candidates to “reverse engineer” their future careers in quantum computing. This way, job seekers can identify the skills most needed for in-demand and future-ready roles. Consequently, they are able to customize their experiences to better fit those needs. He adds that many of the same AI experts have important expertise that goes into developing scalable, low-latency ecosystems—important skillsets useful in quantum computing.
Skills and Competencies for Quantum Success
With the industry growing at a blistering pace, the need for specialized quantum skills is urgent. Dan Higginbotham, senior director of human resources at QuEra, understands that getting the best talent will require going beyond the obvious fields by which we attract talent today. He emphasizes the value of a strong background in physics for research-intensive positions. He emphasizes that there are more opportunities than ever for candidates with software engineering and AI skills.
Even more telling of the interdisciplinary spirit was the integration of AI specialists into quantum teams. Hirsch notes that experience developing for larger scale systems is very desirable for quantum roles. As companies look to innovate and push boundaries, candidates who can bridge the gap between traditional computing and quantum technology will be well-positioned for success.
Further, as John Barnes, president of eQuantumLeap, points out, the focus should be on acknowledging and specifying the skills needed for different roles in the quantum ecosystem. By outlining these competencies, candidates may be more informed to prepare themselves for roles that align with their strengths and interests. This future-forward thinking can go a long way towards making them more competitive on the job market relative to their peers.
The Future of Quantum Employment
As states and firms double down on their quantum bets, the quantum landscape will surely be reshaped even further. Firms like IBM Quantum and startups like QuEra are pushing the frontier — they’re creating the future workforce demands. This expansion is indicative of a bright future for job seekers pursuing a quantum computing career.
With a blend of traditional academic pathways and emerging skill sets from other industries, the quantum job market presents unprecedented opportunities. As they pursue their candidacies, they should seek out and embrace varied educational experiences and real-world practice to stay on the cutting edge.