Quantum Control Systems Engineer Hardware FPGA & Embedded Systems

Introduction

At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what's next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You will collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Quantum Control Systems Engineer, you will work across the technical stack to build, test, measure, characterize, debug, and benchmark the world's most advanced quantum computing systems. You will contribute to the development and integration of novel quantum control electronics and infrastructure, working closely with experimental physicists, IC designers, system architects, and software teams to deliver solutions aligned with the IBM Quantum Roadmap.

This is a breadth‑focused role, requiring versatility, strong problem‑solving skills, and a willingness to tackle challenges spanning hardware, firmware, software, and system integration. The exact focus of the role will evolve based on program needs, as well as your skills and interests.

Example Responsibilities Include

• Support the bring‑up, wiring, debug, and characterization of novel quantum computing and quantum control electronics systems
• Develop, implement, and debug FPGA logic for quantum control and measurement systems.
• Integrate FPGA, embedded software, and hardware components into larger quantum systems.
• Design and evaluate test infrastructure for signal wiring, amplifiers, cryogenic components, and control electronics
• Operate, debug, and characterize systems using lab instrumentation at both room and cryogenic temperatures
• Develop and run experiments to benchmark novel control electronics
• Write software and firmware to control measurement and test equipment
• Contribute to the development and debug of low‑level embedded systems such as microcontrollers, FPGA's, and PC boards
• Develop automated software for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing experimental data
• Write calibration routines and experiments for evaluating quantum processors and control electronics
• Analyze ISA documentation and assembly output to trace and debug ASIC behavior
• Collaborate across experimental, hardware, IC design, PCB, firmware, software, and deployment teams to deliver integrated solutions

Required education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred education

Master's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics (with EE/CE experience), or a related field
• Experience with FPGA design and debug
• Familiarity with HDL development (Verilog, SystemVerilog, or VHDL).
• Proficiency in Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and Git version control
• Experience working in Linux and command‑line environments
• Experience with embedded systems
• Hands‑on experience working in a laboratory environment
• Strong debugging and problem‑solving skills
• Ability and willingness to learn new technologies quickly

Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for cross‑disciplinary collaboration

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Physics (with EE/CE experience)
• Experience with one or more of the following:
• Embedded firmware, FPGAs, microcontrollers, or low‑level programming languages
• C, VHDL, assembly language experience
• Hardware/software co‑debug and system integration
• Automated test and measurement control using Python and SCPI
• Electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, VNAs, spectrum analyzers, and TDRs
• Cryogenic systems and low‑temperature test environments
• RF and microwave electronics, signal integrity, and signal processing techniques
• PCB design, layout, and schematic interpretation
• ASIC interaction and debug using ISA or assembly‑level analysis
• Quantum error correction hardware concepts and decoders
• Experience with Cadence and Vivado tools

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT

IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud.

YOUR LIFE @ IBM

In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.

Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.

Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.

Are you ready to be an IBMer?

ABOUT IBM

IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.

Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.

At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:

• Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
• Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
• Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
• Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences

We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.

IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.