Individuals interested in atomic and subatomic materials will find immense satisfaction in a quantum computing career.
Quantum computing professionals have the opportunity to design and develop computers that use quantum laws or quantum principles.
Apart from job satisfaction, they can also land interesting job positions, obtain high salaries, and work in stimulating environments.
Follow along to find out more about quantum computing as a career.
Is Quantum Computing A Good Career?
Quantum computing is an excellent career, especially for those who enjoy working in physics, quantum theory, technology, or computers.
You work on cutting-edge technology, advancing computing abilities to handle complicated processes and solve complex problems.
Many job positions fall under the quantum computing hat, allowing you to concentrate on a particular aspect.
You can work as a quantum computer research scientist, quantum computer engineer, quantum software engineer, quantum machine learning engineer, or quantum data scientist.
The content of your work is not the only appealing aspect, as you will also receive a generous salary of between $95,000 to $155,000 per year.
You can expect your salary to rise if you have substantial education, specializations, or experience.
If you make significant contributions to the field, you can also expect to secure recognition, pay increases, or career advancement.
You may also have the chance to work for reputable companies such as NASA, IBM, Google, Microsoft Azure, Honeywell, Quantum Computing Inc, ColdQuanta, and D-Wave.
Learn more: Is Quantum Computing Profitable?
Are Quantum Computers In Demand?
Quantum computers hold immense promise for the future. They offer faster, stronger, and better computing processes than conventional computers.
They can change how the world handles materials development and production, healthcare, finances, world trading, cyber security, and even environmental protection practices.
Since this is the case, companies will be hiring more quantum computing specialists in the coming decade and beyond.
The projected job outlook for physicists is 8% which is on par with average job growth.
Statistics may change as companies draw closer to developing larger and commercial quantum computers.
Is Quantum Computing A Growing Industry?
Quantum computing is an emerging industry, expected to grow 30.8% before 2028.
Governmental, public, and private funding for quantum computing is increasing substantially.
Quantum engineers and other specialists may see more job opportunities in the pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, and finance industries specifically.
They may also desire to specialize in quantum simulation, quantum AI and machine learning, and quantum integer factorization.
There will be numerous jobs requiring expertise and skill in these particular areas.
Is Quantum Computing Hard?
Quantum computing is a challenging and complex field of work.
Subatomic particles do not follow the classical laws of physics, which may be hard for individuals to grasp.
Some of these laws can only be understood in theory rather than through physical evidence.
Students must learn quantum mechanics, a domain describing the motion and behavior of subatomic materials.
Furthermore, quantum computing engineers must comprehend advanced mathematics, physics, and programming to perform their tasks.
They must maintain open minds to new research and data, be innovative and creative in developing new prototypes, and be able to redesign and rework products constantly.
Learn more: Is Quantum Computing Physics Or Computer Science?
Is Quantum Computing Electrical Engineering?
Quantum computing is a combination of electrical engineering and physics.
Traditional computer engineering is a branch of electrical engineering, as computer engineers must understand how electrical components within a computer function.
Likewise, quantum computer engineers must know how traditional computers work and how they can program them.
Therefore, electrical or computer engineers can become quantum computing engineers by learning quantum mechanics and algorithms.
Learn more: Do Mechanical Engineers Study Quantum Mechanics?
What Industries Will Use Quantum Computing?
Most industries will use quantum computing or adapt to quantum computing over time.
The primary industries that will benefit from quantum computers include:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Healthcare
- Chemicals
- Energy
- Automotive
- Finance
- Cryptocurrency
- Cyber Security
- Environment
- AI and Robotics
- Aerospace and Aviation
What Are The Disadvantages Of Quantum Computing?
Quantum mechanics can open up many exciting doors, changing the world and society for the better.
Despite the advantages, quantum computing engineers need to grapple with a few key disadvantages, including:
- Security Risks: Although quantum computers can enhance cybersecurity, people can harness the technology to breach traditional cyber security methods.
- Errors: Quantum computing is a relatively new development so quantum computers will be prone to mistakes at first. The solutions to these errors do not rely on traditional computing methods.
- Energy: Quantum computers run on significantly more energy than classical computers. Sufficient energy, thermal protection, and cooling may all be concerns.
How Long Until Quantum Computers Are Useful?
Quantum computer technology is progressing rapidly.
In 1997, the first quantum computer appeared with only 2 qubits or units of quantum information.
In 2007, twenty years later, D-Wave created the 28 qubit quantum computer.
In 2021, IBM released the 127 qubit quantum computer. And the company promises to release a 1000 qubit computer in 2023.
If companies can create a 1 million qubit quantum computer, they will be well on their way to introducing commercial quantum computers to the market.
Where Can You Study Quantum Computing?
Many universities across the United States offer quantum computing classes, programs, or research focuses.
As an undergraduate, you may only be able to find classes focusing on engineering, physics or quantum physics.
For your Master’s or PhD, you can focus on quantum computing at any one of these academic institutions:
- Boston University
- University of California Berkeley
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Chicago
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University
- Duke University
- Harvard University
- Louisiana State University
- University of Maryland
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Purdue University
- University of Washington
- Virginia Tech
Learn more: Is Quantum Engineering Worth It?
Final Thoughts
Quantum computing professionals will have excellent careers if they have an aptitude for the discipline and desire to create never-before-seen technology.
In the coming decade, numerous quantum computing job opportunities and new positions will be available.
Although it is a challenging subject matter, there is no doubt that it is exciting and rewarding work.
