Staff Scientist, Quantum Machine Learning (QML)

📍 Remote, USA

Description

QC Ware is seeking a Staff Scientist in Quantum Machine Learning (QML) to lead the development of novel quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical models for real-world applications.

This role sits at the intersection of quantum computing, machine learning, and delivering real-world solutions for industrial and enterprise applications. It will contribute directly to QC Ware’s core research initiatives, software products, and customer-facing projects. This role reports directly to the VP of Quantum Algorithms.

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Responsibilities

Role

  • Conduct research in quantum machine learning, focusing on novel quantum and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms
  • Develop and optimize algorithms for near-term quantum advantage
  • Design and implement quantum and hybrid machine learning models
  • Adapt classical machine learning techniques to quantum-enhanced frameworks
  • Evaluate model and algorithm performance through benchmarking and testing
  • Analyze trade-offs between classical, quantum-inspired, and quantum approaches
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software engineering, quantum physics, and product teams
  • Contribute to integrating algorithms into QC Ware platforms 
  • Document methodologies, experiments, and results
  • Prepare technical reports, research papers, and presentations, including customer-facing technical material
  • Identify high-impact problem instances and design end-to-end solution strategies bridging AI, optimization, and quantum computing

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • MSc in Computer Science, Physics, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 1+ years of experience in quantum computing, quantum machine learning, research or advanced machine learning research
  • Strong understanding of quantum or quantum-inspired algorithms and their applications in machine learning
  • Proficiency in Python and scientific computing libraries
  • Experience with quantum computing frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities

Experience & Leveling Guidelines

  • Associate level: minimum ~1 year of relevant experience
  • Staff level: typically ~3+ years of relevant experience

These ranges reflect baseline expectations. Final leveling will depend on overall qualifications, including technical depth, research impact (e.g., publications, citations), industry experience, and customer-facing capabilities.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with hybrid quantum-classical algorithms and applications spanning NISQ and early FTQC devices
  • Background in applied machine learning or data science, in particular generative models, GenAI, or agentic AI tools
  • Experience working on real-world or industry-facing use cases
  • Publications in quantum computing, quantum machine learning, or related fields
  • Experience collaborating across research, product, business, and customer-facing teams

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Compensation

Base Salary
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$125,000 - $200,000 per year
Salary may vary by location. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location, with leveling aligned to the experience guidelines above. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training.
In addition to competitive base salaries, qualified candidates are eligible for participation in a corporate bonus program and equity.

Benefits, PTO & Equity

We are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

  • Health Coverage: Company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for you and your dependents
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible plans
  • Disability Insurance: Company-paid long-term disability coverage
  • Basic Life Insurance: $50,000 company-paid coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to counseling, coaching, and life resources
  • Equity: Ownership in a growing startup
  • Retirement Plans: 401(k) with Traditional and Roth options
  • PTO: Discretionary unlimited PTO (we trust you to take the time you need)
  • Holidays: 12 annual paid holidays
  • Parental Leave: 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Remote-First Environment: Work primarily remotely with flexibility and support to thrive within the United States

About You

As a Staff Scientist in Quantum Machine Learning (QML) you will combine deep technical expertise with an applied mindset, helping translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions for near-term and emerging quantum hardware, including NISQ and early fault-tolerant quantum computing (early FTQC) devices.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in modern machine learning approaches, especially generative models, GenAI, and agentic AI systems.

About QC Ware

QC Ware is a quantum computing software company that builds quantum-inspired enterprise solutions and provides professional services to large enterprises. Our mission is to deliver practical quantum advantage by developing and deploying quantum and quantum-inspired solutions that create measurable value in real-world applications. 

Backed by one of the world’s strongest teams of quantum algorithms scientists, QC Ware is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and works with leading global organizations.

An Important Note

Don’t meet every single requirement? We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be exactly the person we’re looking for to join this role or others.

A cover letter is strongly encouraged. Please include a brief statement of interest and relevant experience. Candidates with research experience are also encouraged to include a link to their Google Scholar profile (if available)

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the differences that make us stronger. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Difference makes us better. Join us.

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Candidate Security Notice - For your safety:

  • QC Ware will only communicate from @qcware.com
  • Any messages from other domains or addresses claiming to be QC Ware are not legitimate
  • Please do not click links or share personal information unless it comes from an @qcware.com email

We take candidate security seriously and appreciate your vigilance!

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Apply for this role

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