Quantum Hardware Research Scientist at IBM, Yorktown Heights

IBM Research is hiring a Quantum Hardware Research Scientist to work on novel quantum processors at its Yorktown Heights, NY facility. This full-time role places you inside the team that designs, simulates, and measures the next generation of quantum hardware — work that directly shapes the computing infrastructure the world will rely on tomorrow.

IBM Research serves as the innovation engine of the company, exploring what is next in computing across artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, and practical quantum systems. The team accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud, collaborating with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to turn ideas into reality.

In this position, your primary focus will be on novel quantum processors. Your responsibilities include:

• Helping to design new quantum processors and associated components
• Simulating device behavior and performance characteristics
• Measuring experimental results and interpreting data to guide next iterations

It is a hands-on role that bridges theoretical physics with tangible hardware breakthroughs, requiring both analytical depth and laboratory precision.

To thrive here, you should bring a strong academic and experimental foundation. The core requirements include:

• A PhD in physics or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience with experimental quantum control

Beyond the essential qualifications, preferred experience includes:

• A research background in superconducting qubits
• Experience laying out and simulating quantum devices

This position offers a verified annual salary ranging from USD 160,000 to USD 200,000, reflecting the highly specialized nature of the work. IBM posted this opportunity on September 28, 2026, and the application window remains open until November 28, 2026.

Because this role sits at the intersection of advanced physics and hardware engineering, a standard resume will not be enough to capture your full potential. Here is how you can elevate your application:

• Showcase your lab-to-publication pipeline: Highlight specific experiments where you designed a quantum control sequence, captured the data, and contributed to a published paper or internal technical report. Concrete metrics about coherence times or gate fidelities demonstrate real-world impact.
• Detail your simulation toolchain: Mention the specific software and frameworks you use for laying out quantum devices, such as Qiskit Metal, COMSOL, or custom Python scripts. This proves you can transition from theoretical design to physical simulation.
• Leverage specialized networks: Ensure your profile is visible on academic and research-focused platforms like arXiv, Google Scholar, and quantum community forums. Linking your publication record directly to your professional profile helps hiring managers verify your expertise quickly.

If you are ready to accelerate discovery and contribute to breakthroughs that genuinely transform industries, this is your moment. Prepare your materials thoughtfully, highlight your experimental quantum control experience, and get ready to shape the future of practical quantum computing.