Senior Quantum Engineer - System Characterization
Microsoft
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. At Microsoft Quantum, we aim to empower science and scientists to solve the world's biggest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum information technology. For more information about our team, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum.
We are seeking a Senior Quantum Engineer – System Characterization to characterize and validate cryogenic control hardware used in our quantum computing systems. This role focuses on system‑level performance characterization, bridging cryogenic electronics and quantum device measurements. Working within the cryogenic complementary metal‑oxide semiconductor (cryo‑CMOS) team, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on a revolutionary technology. We are looking for an experimentalist with substantial experience measuring semiconductor qubit and/or quantum dot devices with a strong passion for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Characterize the performance of integrated cryogenic ASIC‑based control systems interfacing with quantum devices.
- Design, execute, and analyze measurement campaigns to evaluate cryogenic control hardware and system behavior.
- Develop and refine measurement techniques to assess device‑level and system‑level performance.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary partners—including ASIC designers, electrical engineers, qubit measurement engineers, and theorists—to inform and optimize system design.
- Analyze, document, and communicate characterization results, limitations, and findings to hardware and system development teams.
- Verify that the integrated cryogenic control system meets defined performance requirements and specifications.
- Other
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment.
- OR Master’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment.
- OR Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 1+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment (which may include completion of a post‑doctoral research position).
- OR equivalent experience.
Other requirements
- Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
- Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
- Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.
- Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
- Ability to design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals, design docs).
Additional/Preferred Qualifications
- Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field.
- 6+ years of experience with:
- Low‑noise electronic measurements (e.g., lock‑in amplifiers, analog preamps).
- Cryogenic techniques (e.g., Helium 3 cryostats or dilution refrigerators).
- Electrical transport characterization (semiconductors, dielectrics, superconductors).
- Radio frequency (RF) or microwave measurement techniques.
- Data acquisition and programming in a high‑level language (e.g., Python).
- 4+ years of experience with quantum measurement of semiconductor qubit or quantum dot devices.
- Experience with analog electronic circuit design.
- Experience with technical report writing and documentation.
- Experience with cross‑team collaboration and/or mentoring.
#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.