The rise of non-technical roles in quantum

For years, quantum companies have been driven by scientists, engineers, and academics — the ones building the qubits, refining the algorithms, and pushing hardware boundaries. But as the industry matures, the demand for non-technical expertise is rising fast.

Business development managers, project managers, and product specialists are becoming just as critical as physicists and quantum engineers. These roles are helping quantum start-ups transition from proof-of-concept to commercial success.

1. Suppliers and “picks and shovels” companies keeping up with industry need

Quantum hardware doesn’t exist in isolation — it depends on an entire ecosystem of suppliers. Cryogenics, optics, photonics, materials, and control systems companies are scaling rapidly to meet the needs of quantum innovators.
As these suppliers grow, they’re hiring experienced sales and operations professionals who can speak both engineering and commercial. Having people who understand the customer journey, supply chain management, and partnership development is now a competitive advantage.

These “picks and shovels” businesses are often where we first see the trend — technical depth is still vital, but now paired with strong communication, stakeholder, and delivery skills.

2. Non-technical skill sets outside of founders’ networks

Early-stage quantum start-ups often form around strong academic or research-based founding teams. While these networks are excellent for attracting technical talent, they rarely include experienced commercial or operational leaders.
This is creating demand for professionals from adjacent industries — such as semiconductors, advanced materials, or precision engineering — who can bring structure, process, and a customer focus to quantum businesses.

Finding this mix of people isn’t straightforward. Many quantum founders are now partnering with specialist recruiters to access wider professional networks and identify candidates who can translate complex technology into scalable business value.

3. Business-critical hires in commercialisation and business development

The race to commercialise quantum technologies is accelerating. Government investment and private funding have given many start-ups a runway — but sustainable growth depends on being able to sell products, build partnerships, and manage projects effectively.

Roles in business development, marketing, and project delivery are no longer “nice to have” — they’re key to bringing quantum out of the lab and into real-world applications. These hires bridge the gap between deep science and the markets that need it, helping investors see ROI and enabling customers to understand why quantum matters to them.

As quantum moves from theory to application, hiring strategies need to evolve too. It’s no longer just about finding the next quantum physicist — it’s about building well-rounded teams that can deliver, communicate, and scale.

At IntaPeople, we’re helping quantum companies identify both the specialist engineers and the commercial minds driving the industry forward. If you’re growing your quantum team, we can help you find the people who’ll turn technical innovation into business success.