September 25 seminar: Sal Rodriguez

September 25, 2026

Critical Skills, Tasks, and Salaries for Quantum Computing Engineers in the Semiconductor Industry

Sal Rodriguez, Applied Surface Engineering

3:00 pm, UNM Centennial Engineering Center, Room 1026
Online Guests: Contact bidram@unm.edu for a Zoom link

Abstract: The semiconductor industry is undergoing exponential, game-changing growth, with a huge emphasis on AI chips and its infrastructure, extreme circuit concentration, and quantum technology. Global semiconductor sales are slated to reach $1.5T during 2026, and for better or for worse, about 50% of the global revenue is from AI chips.

As of 2026, there are up to 10,000 jobs in the global quantum sector, and is expected to grow exponentially to 250,000 by 2030, with an estimated revenue of $2.46B for 2027, and $21.4B by 2038.

Five major quantum computing job areas are discussed, including salary range, required skills, recommended tools, who is hiring, and recent state-of-the-art advances. The amazing potential of quantum computing is quantified, and the potential impact of AI on R&D funding, quantum technology, and the stock markets is analyzed.

Bio: Dr. Sal Rodriguez is the CEO of Applied Surface Engineering and a Research Professor at the University of New Mexico, with nearly 30 years of experience at the U.S. national laboratories, including Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Idaho National Laboratory. He holds a B.S., three M.S. degrees, and two Ph.D. degrees. His areas of expertise include computational fluid dynamics and turbulence modeling, nuclear engineering, high-performance and quantum computing, aerodynamic drag reduction, advanced energy systems, hightemperature and high-strength refractory high-entropy alloys, and advanced manufacturing. His research and innovations include engineered surface dimpling for aerodynamic drag reduction and enhanced heat transfer, advanced materials development, hydrogen production, and computational modeling of complex fluid and energy systems. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2023 Scientist of the Year Award from Great Minds in STEM. He is the author of Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics and Turbulence Modeling, a widely used technical reference on CFD and turbulence modeling, and has authored more than 290 national laboratory reports, white papers, presentations, conference papers, and journal publications. His technical contributions include numerous technical advances, copyrights, issued patents, and pending patent applications. His research has also been featured by organizations including Sandia National Laboratories, the University of New Mexico, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.