This paper proposes a deterministic pilot pattern placement optimization scheme based on the quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) which aims to improve the performance of sparse channel estimation in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. By minimizing the mutual incoherence property (MIP) of the sensing matrix, the pilot pattern placement optimization is modeled as the solution of a combinatorial optimization problem. QGA is used to solve the optimization problem and generate optimized pilot pattern that can effectively avoid local optima traps. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method can generate a sensing matrix with a smaller MIP than a random search or the genetic algorithm (GA), and the optimized pilot pattern performs well for sparse channel estimation in OFDM systems.