Quantum Career Pathways

What they do: From carefully aligning components to testing equipment, technicians use steady hands, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills every day.

It’s a rewarding, high-demand career that blends craftsmanship with science, offering opportunities to work on projects that impact communications, healthcare, national security, and more.

How to Become an Optical Assembly Technician: Getting started in optics doesn’t require a PhD, many technicians begin with a high school diploma and build skills through hands-on training. Here’s a typical path:

1. High School Preparation
   • Focus on math, science, and technical courses.
   • Gain experience with hands-on projects, shop classes, or STEM clubs.
2. Postsecondary Training
   • Enroll in a short-term certificate or associate degree program in optics, photonics, precision manufacturing, or electronics.
   • Front Range Community College Optics program
3. On-the-Job Experience
   • Many employers hire entry-level technicians and provide specialized training.
   • Apprenticeships and internships are great ways to build real-world skills.
4. Advance Your Career
   • With experience, technicians can move into lead roles, quality assurance, or advanced assembly.
   • Some continue their education in engineering or physics to open up even more opportunities.

Optical assembly technicians are vital to building the technologies of the future — from quantum computers to advanced medical imaging. If you like working with your hands, paying attention to detail, and being part of a growing high-tech field, this could be the pathway for you.

Watch a day in the life of an Optical Assembly Technician.

Support the growth of quantum technology by assisting with experiments, maintaining lab equipment, and helping researchers push the boundaries of science. As a lab technician or research assistant, you’ll play a key role in building the foundation for breakthroughs in computing, communication, and advanced materials.

Getting started in quantum doesn’t require a PhD — many people begin as technicians with a 2-year or 4-year degree and build expertise through hands-on training. Here’s a typical path:

1. High School Preparation

• Focus on math, physics, chemistry, computer science, and technical courses.
• Participate in STEM clubs, robotics, or maker spaces to build problem-solving and hands-on skills.
• Look for summer programs or camps in engineering, optics, or coding.

2. Postsecondary Training

• Enroll in an associate or bachelor’s degree program in physics, engineering, materials science, or electronics.
• Short-term certificate programs in optics, photonics, cleanroom operations, or electronics can provide a competitive edge.
• Example: Front Range Community College Optics Technology program.
• Gain familiarity with lab software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).

3. On-the-Job Experience

• Many labs and companies hire entry-level technicians and research assistants with strong technical and problem-solving skills.
• Apprenticeships, internships, and cooperative education programs provide valuable real-world training.
• Typical responsibilities include:
  • Setting up and maintaining lab equipment (lasers, optics, cryogenics, vacuum systems).
  • Collecting and recording data.
  • Assisting senior researchers with experiments.
  • Following strict safety and cleanroom protocols.

4. Advance Your Career

• With experience, lab technicians can become lead technicians, senior research associates, or lab managers.
• Additional education (such as a master’s degree or PhD) opens doors to research scientist or engineering roles.
• Career advancement may include:
  • Leading small research projects.
  • Training and mentoring new technicians.
  • Contributing to published research and patents.
  • Moving into R&D, quality assurance, or program management.

Programs at local community colleges and universities can help you get started with hands-on training in electronics, optics, and laboratory practices, opening the door to a fast-growing, future-focused career.

Watch a day in the life inside a Quantum Lab.

Watch a day in the life of a Quantum Lab Researcher.

Electronics technicians build, test, and repair the components that power today’s technology. As a soldering technician, you’ll work with circuit boards and precision tools to assemble and connect parts that keep devices running smoothly. It’s a hands-on career that combines problem-solving with craftsmanship, offering opportunities in industries like quantum, aerospace, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Quantum systems rely on precision-built electronics, from circuit boards to control systems, and skilled soldering technicians play a vital role in bringing these technologies to life. You don’t need an advanced degree to get started. Here’s a typical path:

1. High School Preparation

• Focus on math, physics, and electronics courses.
• Join robotics clubs, shop classes, or maker spaces to practice soldering and building circuits.
• Build personal projects (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or small electronics kits) to gain hands-on experience.

2. Postsecondary Training

• Earn a certificate or associate degree in electronics, mechatronics, or electrical engineering technology.
• Specialized training in soldering, microelectronics, or PCB assembly is highly valued.
• Example: IPC J-STD-001 certification for soldering in high-reliability industries.
• Coursework in digital/analog circuits, troubleshooting, and lab safety prepares you for industry roles.

3. On-the-Job Experience

• Many employers hire entry-level technicians and provide training specific to quantum hardware.
• Apprenticeships and internships are excellent ways to gain real-world soldering and electronics skills.
• Typical responsibilities include:
  • Soldering components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs), often under a microscope.
  • Assembling and testing electronic systems for cryogenic and quantum devices.
  • Troubleshooting and repairing circuit boards and wiring.
  • Following strict quality and safety standards.

4. Advance Your Career

• With experience, electronics/soldering technicians can move into roles such as lead technician, electronics engineer, or quality assurance specialist.
• Further training or education can lead to careers in electrical engineering, quantum hardware development, or technical program management.
• Career advancement may include:
  • Supervising a team of technicians.
  • Designing and testing prototype circuits.
  • Working closely with scientists and engineers to integrate electronics into quantum systems.

Watch a day in the life of a Quantum Engineer.

Watch a day in the life of a Quantum Researcher and Engineer.

Work in a high-tech cleanroom environment assembling and testing components for quantum devices. Maintain strict contamination control, follow precise manufacturing protocols, and support the production of cutting-edge quantum hardware that powers next-generation computing and sensing technologies.

1. High School Preparation

• Focus on math, chemistry, and physics classes.
• Gain experience with hands-on projects like robotics, shop, or lab-based science courses.
• Develop attention to detail and fine motor skills — essential for precision work.

2. Postsecondary Training

• Earn a certificate or associate degree in electronics, optics, nanotechnology, or manufacturing technology.
• Specialized training in cleanroom operations, vacuum systems, or semiconductor processing is highly valuable.
• Example: Programs in photonics, optics, or semiconductor manufacturing at community colleges or technical institutes.
• Learn lab safety, handling of sensitive materials, and standard cleanroom protocols.

3. On-the-Job Experience

• Many employers hire entry-level operators and provide specialized training in cleanroom procedures.
• Apprenticeships and internships in advanced manufacturing or semiconductor labs are excellent entry points.
• Typical responsibilities include:
  • Operating equipment in cleanroom environments to fabricate quantum chips and components.
  • Following strict protocols for contamination control.
  • Running tests and inspections on wafers, circuits, and optical parts.
  • Documenting results and maintaining high-quality standards.

4. Advance Your Career

• With experience, cleanroom operators can become lead technicians, process engineers, or quality control specialists.
• Additional training or education (in materials science, engineering, or nanotechnology) opens doors to higher-level roles in R&D or production management.
• Career advancement may include:
  • Supervising a cleanroom team.
  • Designing and refining manufacturing processes.
  • Contributing to the scale-up of quantum hardware production.

Manufacturing and cleanroom operators are the hands-on experts making quantum technology possible. If you like precision work, enjoy working in high-tech lab environments, and want to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries, this could be the pathway for you.

Watch a day in the life of a Clean Room Operator.

Support the installation, operation, and maintenance of cryogenic systems used in quantum computing and quantum devices. Work closely with scientists and engineers in lab and manufacturing environments, ensuring equipment is stable at near-absolute-zero temperatures.

1. High School Preparation

• Focus on physics, chemistry, math, and electronics courses.
• Join STEM clubs, robotics, or maker programs to gain hands-on technical experience.
• Explore projects involving cooling systems, electronics, or mechanical design.

2. Postsecondary Training

• Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering technology, materials science, or electronics.
• Short-term certificates in cryogenics, vacuum technology, or refrigeration systems can provide a strong foundation.
• Learn lab safety, thermodynamics, and fluid systems to prepare for working with extreme environments.

3. On-the-Job Experience

• Many labs and companies hire technicians and provide specialized training in cryogenic systems.
• Apprenticeships, internships, or co-ops are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience with cryostats, dilution refrigerators, and superconducting systems.
• Typical responsibilities include:
  • Assembling and maintaining cryogenic systems that cool quantum hardware.
  • Monitoring temperature, pressure, and vacuum conditions.
  • Working with superconducting circuits, wiring, and electronics inside cryogenic environments.
  • Following strict safety protocols for handling liquid helium, nitrogen, and other cryogens.

4. Advance Your Career

• With experience, cryogenic technicians can move into roles such as senior technician, cryogenics engineer, or lab manager.
• Additional education (bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics or engineering) can open paths to R&D roles.
• Career advancement may include:
  • Leading cryogenics teams and overseeing lab operations.
  • Designing new cryogenic systems for quantum devices.
  • Collaborating with engineers and scientists on quantum hardware development.

Cryogenic quantum hardware technicians are essential for making quantum technologies work in the real world. If you enjoy precision work, problem-solving, and pushing science to the limits of temperature and physics, this could be the pathway for you.

Provide technical support for quantum hardware and software systems. Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize computers and networks that power quantum research, ensuring scientists and engineers can run experiments efficiently and accurately.

1. High School Preparation

• Focus on computer science, physics, math, and electronics courses.
• Join STEM clubs, coding programs, or robotics teams to gain hands-on technical experience.
• Explore projects involving computer hardware, networking, or software troubleshooting.

2. Postsecondary Training

• Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or electronics.
• Short-term certifications in IT support, networking, cybersecurity, or hardware maintenance provide practical skills.
• Learn operating systems, networking protocols, hardware diagnostics, and lab safety to prepare for specialized quantum environments.

3. On-the-Job Experience

• Many quantum labs and companies hire technicians and provide specialized training on quantum lab IT systems.
• Apprenticeships, internships, or co-ops are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience supporting:
  • Quantum computers and control electronics
  • Lab networks, servers, and specialized instruments
  • Data acquisition and storage systems
• Typical responsibilities include:
  • Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting computers, servers, and lab equipment.
  • Maintaining secure and reliable network connectivity for experiments.
  • Assisting scientists and engineers with software and hardware issues in quantum labs.
  • Following strict data integrity and cybersecurity protocols.

4. Advance Your Career

• With experience, computer support technicians can move into roles such as senior IT technician, lab systems administrator, or IT manager.
• Additional education (bachelor’s or master’s in computer science, information systems, or engineering) can open paths to quantum R&D or systems engineering.
• Career advancement may include:
  • Leading IT and lab support teams for quantum research.
  • Designing and implementing robust lab computing infrastructure.
  • Collaborating with engineers and physicists on integrating computer systems with quantum hardware.

Watch a day in the life of a Computer Support Technician.

Get the basics, build confidence, and prepare to enter an apprenticeship or job. These programs often include jobsite skills, tool training and career support.

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction—and lead to industry-recognized credentials and full-time careers.

Take short-term or two-year courses in optics, electronics engineering, . Many programs are stackable, and financial aid may be available.

• Front Range Community College Optics Technology
• Front Range Community College Electronics Engineering Technology
• University of Colorado Denver-Certificate in Quantum Information Technology