Switch from Software Engineer to Quantum Computing Engineer

A simple 8-week plan to move from software to quantum computing. This roadmap uses one quantum simulator project as proof of skills.

Weekly Hours: 10
Estimated Weeks: 8

Phases

Explore Quantum Basics

Build a foundation in quantum concepts. Learn about qubits, gates, and how quantum computers are different from traditional ones. Get familiar with key ideas using plain examples.

2 weeks

Understand core quantum principles
Learn what qubits and superposition are
Know basic quantum gates (like Hadamard, Pauli-X)
See how quantum circuits are built

Explain superposition (flip coins example)
Describe entanglement (connected switches)
Draw basic quantum circuits (simple gate diagrams)

Intro to Quantum Computing Book
Online Quantum Course
Quantum Playground Simulator

Explain superposition and entanglement using your own words
Draw a diagram of a basic quantum circuit

Learn Quantum Programming Tools

Start using software made for quantum computing. Write and run basic quantum programs using libraries, focusing on understanding how code controls quantum circuits.

2 weeks

Install quantum coding tools (like Qiskit)
Run sample quantum programs
Understand how to use quantum simulators
Read and follow quantum code

Install Qiskit (Python package)
Write quantum 'Hello World' code
Use a quantum simulator (IBM Quantum Experience)

Qiskit Documentation
Quantum Programming Tutorials
IBM Quantum Lab

Run a basic quantum circuit on a simulator
Share your first quantum program on GitHub

Build Quantum Coding Skills

Go deeper by creating and testing small quantum programs. Learn to use common quantum algorithms with code, and understand how to debug and test quantum work.

2 weeks

Write small quantum algorithms
Test and debug quantum programs
Learn standard quantum routines (like Grover's and Deutsch-Josza)

Code Grover’s search (find a marked value)
Code Deutsch-Josza (identify function type)
Debug quantum circuits (use print and simulator tools)

Hands-on Quantum Algorithms Course
Qiskit Textbook
Open Quantum Code Repositories

Implement and test Grover’s search in Qiskit
Document your quantum projects in a README file

Complete Your Quantum Simulator Project

Create a showcase project: a small quantum circuit simulator web app. Focus on writing code, building a simple user form, adding routing, testing, and deploying your project. Explain your decisions and show your work.

2 weeks

Build a web app simulating quantum circuits
Add user input for custom circuits
Implement navigation (routing) and code organization (state management)
Write software tests
Deploy and share the project

Create forms in the app (allow users to choose gates)
Manage state (save circuit setup)
Write tests (Jest or pytest)
Deploy with free cloud tools (like Heroku or Vercel)

React or Flask Tutorials
Testing Tools Guides
Free Deployment Services

Launch a public demo of your quantum simulator app
Reach 80% test coverage (badge on README)
Publish detailed project docs and circuit examples

Weekly Plan

Week	Focus	Why	Tasks	Deliverables
1	Learn quantum concepts	Foundation is needed for every next step	Read quantum basics (Intro to Quantum Computing Book), Watch beginner videos (Online Quantum Course), Try coin flip and light switch analogies	Written explanation of superposition, Drawn quantum circuit with 2 gates
2	Play with quantum circuits	Hands-on work helps understand theories	Build circuits in Quantum Playground Simulator, Diagram qubit states by hand, Describe difference between classical and quantum gates	Photo of two hand-drawn circuits, Short summary comparing traditional and quantum gates
3	Install tools and run code	Setup coding tools needed for projects	Install Qiskit (pip install qiskit), Try IBM Quantum Lab online interface, Run a ‘Hello, Qubit!’ script	Screenshot of Qiskit installation, Link to first quantum code on GitHub
4	Explore real examples	Understanding running code boosts your confidence	Modify a Qiskit sample circuit, Run quantum and classical comparison tests, Share output and findings in a file	Notes comparing your circuit results, GitHub gist with modified sample code
5	Practice algorithms	Solidify coding skills with real quantum tasks	Follow Qiskit Textbook Grover tutorial, Debug and modify Grover search, Test with different marked items	Working Grover’s code in GitHub repo, Write-up explaining what Grover does
6	Test and document	Testing and documentation show professional skills	Write software tests (pytest or unittest), Fill out README with algorithm explanations, Share your repository with a friend for feedback	README with new documentation, 80% coverage report from pytest
7	Build main project: simulator app	A clear project proves your skills to employers	Start new web app (React or Flask), Add routing to app pages, Create input form for quantum circuit setup, Connect user input to simulator code	Simulator app working locally, Page that takes and displays user circuit
8	Finalize, test, deploy project	A live demo and good tests impress recruiters	Write end-to-end tests (Jest or Selenium), Deploy project with Vercel or Heroku, Add usage examples to documentation, Share live link with feedback form	Public project link, Test coverage badge in README