Industry Expectations and Skill Demands in Quantum Software Testing
Ronnie de Souza Santos, Teresa Baldassarre, Cesar França
TL;DR
The paper analyzes 110 public job postings to map industrial expectations for quantum software testing, revealing a hybrid practice that blends traditional software QA with hardware-in-the-loop validation, calibration automation, and hybrid quantum–classical verification. It identifies both general programming/automation hard skills and quantum-specific capabilities (calibration, pulse-level control, QEC fidelity) alongside interdisciplinary soft skills such as collaboration and cross-domain communication. Advanced academic testing techniques are largely absent in postings, indicating an early-stage industry maturity focused on reproducibility and integration with experimental workflows. The findings have practical implications for education, training, and workforce development to align curricula and professional development with the evolving needs of the quantum software engineering ecosystem.
Abstract
Quantum software testing introduces new challenges that differ fundamentally from those in classical software engineering. Aims: This study investigates how the quantum software industry defines testing roles and what skills are expected from professionals in these positions. Method: We analyzed 110 job postings from organizations involved in quantum software and hardware development, identifying activities, competencies, and skill requirements related to testing. Results: The findings show that testing in quantum contexts combines traditional software quality assurance with experimental validation, emphasizing calibration, control, and hybrid quantum-classical verification. Employers seek professionals who integrate programming and automation expertise with quantum-specific technical knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Conclusions: Quantum software testing remains at an early but rapidly evolving stage that bridges software engineering and experimental physics, highlighting the need for educational and research efforts that align testing practices with industrial realities.