Tuesday, March 3, 2026

QCi Inks NASA/NIST Deals, Opens Foundry — For Quantum Jobs

Quantum Computing Inc. (Nasdaq: QUBT), a company specializing in quantum optics and photonics, has announced significant strategic progress by securing new contracts with both NASA and NIST. The company has also completed its quantum photonic chip foundry, a major milestone that moves its hardware production capabilities in-house and expands its quantum stack. In its latest financial report for Q4 2025, QCi reported revenues of approximately $198,000. Additionally, the company is entering a strategic collaboration with POET Technologies to develop 3.2Tbps engines based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) modulators, aiming to serve the next era of computing.

What This Means for Quantum Careers

Bringing chip manufacturing in-house is a major step toward vertical integration for QCi, creating a direct need for roles in semiconductor fabrication, process engineering, quality control, and photonics packaging. These positions require hands-on hardware skills, distinct from purely theoretical quantum research. The new contracts with NASA and NIST signal a growing demand for quantum professionals with experience in government and aerospace sectors. This opens career pathways for engineers and project managers in adjacent industries to pivot into quantum. Furthermore, the high-speed interconnect collaboration with POET highlights an emerging need for optical engineers and hardware integration specialists to bridge quantum systems with classical data center infrastructure.