Inside Quantum Computing Hardware with Šimon Marek | OnTrack

Zachariah Peterson
|  Created: January 14, 2026  |  Updated: January 18, 2026
Inside Quantum Computing Hardware with Šimon Marek | OnTrack

Quantum computing is no longer confined to research labs—it's entering the commercial space, and electrical engineers are uniquely positioned to contribute. In this episode of the OnTrack Podcast, host Zach Peterson sits down with quantum hardware designer Šimon Marek to explore the fascinating world of superconducting quantum chips. From transmon qubits and Josephson junctions to control electronics and FPGA-based systems, Šimon breaks down the engineering principles that make quantum computers work, revealing how familiar microwave and RF design concepts translate directly into this cutting-edge field.

Whether you're a PCB designer curious about quantum technology or an engineer looking for your next challenge, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for understanding quantum hardware. Šimon shares his journey from Arduino projects to quantum chip design, walks through actual chip layouts and simulation workflows, and discusses the fabrication processes that bring these devices to life. Discover why quantum computing might be more accessible to traditional electronics engineers than you think.

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About Author

About Author

Zachariah Peterson has an extensive technical background in academia and industry. He currently provides research, design, and marketing services to companies in the electronics industry. Prior to working in the PCB industry, he taught at Portland State University and conducted research on random laser theory, materials, and stability. His background in scientific research spans topics in nanoparticle lasers, electronic and optoelectronic semiconductor devices, environmental sensors, and stochastics. His work has been published in over a dozen peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, and he has written 2500+ technical articles on PCB design for a number of companies. He is a member of IEEE Photonics Society, IEEE Electronics Packaging Society, American Physical Society, and the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA). He previously served as a voting member on the INCITS Quantum Computing Technical Advisory Committee working on technical standards for quantum electronics, and he currently serves on the IEEE P3186 Working Group focused on Port Interface Representing Photonic Signals Using SPICE-class Circuit Simulators.

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