How quantum engineers are building the future of technology

Quantum engineering is revolutionising technology by using quantum mechanics to design and develop groundbreaking innovations. Quantum mechanics examines the behaviour of matter and energy at small scales, like atoms and electrons to help us uncover behaviours that challenge our daily understanding of how the world operates.

For Josephine Kelly, a current quantum engineering student, quantum engineering is related to electrical engineering and looks at “how we can carefully engineer these tiny devices to implement concepts from quantum physics for real world uses".

Ari Merten, President of the UNSW Quantum Engineering Society (Q-SOC) explains that quantum engineering “encompasses a broad range of different subfields of engineering.” At UNSW, he’s had a special focus on quantum computing, “one of the most promising applications of quantum engineering to the world".

“As opposed to traditional engineering, quantum engineering involves creating and manipulating individual quantum systems, typically on incredibly small scales. Quantum engineering provides pathways for humanity to develop more powerful computers, more accurate sensors and more secure communication networks,” says Dr Danielle Holmes, postdoctoral researcher and engineering lecturer.

Quantum engineers work across a variety of fields including computer science, electrical engineering and physics to design and create new devices and technologies. 

“This includes lots of coding, learning new software, chatting to supervisors and other people and delving deep into what truly might be happening on the tiny quantum scale,” says Ari.

“Some quantum engineers focus on developing sophisticated software to aid quantum researchers in carrying out their experiments,” says Josephine. “Other quantum engineers focus on device design and fabrication, focusing on how very small devices can be physically made and which materials should be used to create these devices".

As part of her research, Danielle is “responsible for fabricating qubits (the building blocks of a quantum computer) by implanting single atoms into silicon chips and measuring their quantum properties at close to absolute zero temperature." She also gets "a lot of satisfaction from supervising PhD students on their own research projects, lecturing quantum engineering courses at UNSW and delivering scientific outreach to the public".

Is quantum engineering in demand?

Quantum engineering is in high demand. According to the Department of Industry Science and Resources, the nation’s quantum sector can contribute significantly to Australia’s future prosperity. It is forecasted to create over 16,000 jobs by 2040, with the number growing with additional investment. As demand grows in the Australian quantum sector, it will require a workforce with a diverse skillset. 

To become a quantum engineer, you’ll need foundational knowledge in mathematics and physics. Studying a quantum engineering course like a bachelor’s degree in quantum engineering can help you develop the skills required for the next generation of quantum engineers.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in research projects to broaden your experience with quantum engineering. You’ll also be able to gain practical experience by undertaking 60 days of industrial training to prepare you for a successful career in quantum engineering.

Danielle believes it’s an exciting time to become a quantum engineer, “as new quantum technologies are emerging from our ability to harness the quantum world, it provides new applications for humanity to explore".

Any advice for students interested in studying and becoming a quantum engineer?

A quantum engineering degree opens the doors to various research opportunities within academia, defence labs or government, to expand upon quantum capabilities.

For Danielle, “quantum engineering offers one of the most well-rounded backgrounds to contribute to making quantum technologies a reality and opens the door to collaborate with other disciplines”. She goes on to explain that quantum engineering students are exposed to a range of fields, such as quantum physics (the study of matter and energy at a fundamental level) to microwave engineering (a part of electrical engineering focusing on electromagnetic waves) which provides them with a competitive edge of careers upon graduation.

“You can jump into quantum tech research and development, data science, software engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, consulting, education and science communication,” adds Shetal.

Where do you see yourself after graduating with a Bachelor of Quantum Engineering?

Ari: I'd love to work in the quantum commercial industry, however at this point in time, a lot of companies are still looking for people who have finished, or to do a PhD with them. I’m not sure this is the right path for me, but it’s still so up in the air! I’ll take some time off after finishing my undergraduate degree and see if I can decide then! 

Josephine: I plan to finish off my studies with an honours at Diraq, a startup company at UNSW, working on quantum computing using electrons spins from phosphorous within a silicon lattice. After that, I'd like to work at some other quantum engineering companies to experience a more diverse range of approaches. There's plenty of companies out there, such as QCTRL, IONQ, Dwave and Quantum Motion.

Shetal: I plan to dive deeper into research, either in quantum physics or dark matter, with a particular focus on the quantum physics of semiconductors and applying machine learning wherever it can push the science forward. Alongside research, I want to keep building my teaching career at the tertiary level. Sharing knowledge, sparking curiosity and helping the next generation of scientists and engineers find their footing is just as important to me as making discoveries myself.

Was there anything that surprised you during your quantum engineering studies?

Ari: I truly did not expect the sheer amount of crossover with other subjects.  

Shetal: How strong the community is. You expect the coursework to be intense, and it is, but you don’t realise how much the people around you will shape your experience. You end up learning just as much from each other as from lectures, leaning on your peers through the tough weeks and celebrating the wins together. It turns the challenge into something shared, which makes it all the more worthwhile.

Danielle: I have been pleasantly surprised by the important role played by academic researchers in developing the field of quantum computing.

Is there anything in particular about quantum engineering that you think people should know?

“In the quest to develop new technologies through quantum engineering, it is a common misconception that only people with a background in quantum physics will be able to contribute. In fact, the complexity of the problems require[s] people from many diverse backgrounds to produce breakthroughs,” says Danielle. “Using the example of quantum computers in silicon, to realise their full potential, we will need specialists from materials science, nanofabrication, experimental physics, vacuum engineering, electrical engineering, microwave engineering, cryogenic engineering, computer science, theoretical physics, mathematics, chemistry, finance, logistics... the list goes on".

“It’s a challenging degree, but the rewards go beyond the knowledge you gain. You learn to think in new ways, work across disciplines and approach problems from multiple angles,” says Shetal. 

Build the future of technology with quantum engineering at UNSW

Lead the charge in quantum innovation with UNSW. We’re home to the #1 Engineering school in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025) and the first university in the world to offer a specialisation in quantum engineering. Our quantum engineering program equips you with the expertise to drive the next generation of innovation in microelectronics, microwave systems and telecommunications.