OpenQASM Jobs in Quantum

What to Know About OpenQASM Jobs

An open-source quantum assembly language that allows developers to write, optimize, and execute quantum circuits on various quantum computing platforms; the standard low-level language for quantum programs.

A quantum computer can only emerge from a family of researchers, engineers, developers, designers & builders in the community united by a challenge that is, at its very core, a fundamental part of harnessing nature. Jay M. Gambetta (IBM Quantum)

What does an OpenQASM developer do?

OpenQASM describes quantum circuits using ordered sequences of parameterized operations such as gates, measurements, and resets, along with real-time classical computation. You will engage in low-level quantum programming, optimizing circuit representations, designing compilers that translate high-level code to OpenQASM, and interfacing with quantum hardware.

How much do OpenQASM specialists earn?

Salaries align with quantum software developers generally:- $85,000-115,000 a year for entry-level, $120,000-160,000 a year for mid-level, and $165,000-200,000+ for senior roles. OpenQASM expertise is often combined with other skills like Qiskit or compiler development rather than standalone specialization. You can learn more about Quantum Jobs salaries here.

Is OpenQASM necessary to know for quantum jobs?

While most roles do not need this knowledge because high-level frameworks like Qiskit automatically manage OpenQASM for users, this knowledge becomes indispensable for compiler construction, close hardware work, low-level quantum circuit optimization, and quantum tool software development. For standard quantum software roles, the knowledge is useful but not essential.

How is OpenQASM different from Qiskit or Cirq?

OpenQASM provides a low-level, hardware-agnostic interface for programming quantum computers. If Qiskit or Cirq were high-level programming languages, you'd consider OpenQASM to be assembly language. You seldom need to work on OpenQASM directly, as Qiskit generates OpenQASM code, unless you are building a compiler or optimizing for a specific performance. 

We're optimistic that within five years we'll see real-world applications that are possible only on quantum computers. Quantum Jobs USA

What jobs require OpenQASM knowledge?

OpenQASM is required for quantum compiler developers, quantum software engineers creating frameworks, hardware interface specialists, and researchers optimizing quantum circuits. OpenQASM knowledge is sought after in companies providing quantum SDKs, creating hardware control systems, or developing tools for quantum programming.

Should beginners learn OpenQASM first?

No! Start with high-level frameworks like Qiskit or Cirq; they're easier to learn and handle most tasks. Learn OpenQASM later if you want to understand what happens "under the hood;" optimize circuit compilation, or work on quantum compiler development. Most quantum developers use Qiskit without touching OpenQASM directly.

Suggested Read: How to get Quantum Job without PhD.