Senior Quantum Simulation Engineer
Microsoft
Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented, diverse international team to build the world’s first scalable quantum computing system. Our full‑stack approach spans innovation from the physics of the quantum plane to the delivery of global quantum services. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to fundamentally transform computing to help solve some of humanity’s most intractable problems as we enter an accelerated era of quantum advancement.
We are seeking talented, focused individuals to help deliver useful quantum computers. Microsoft is pursuing topological qubits for large‑scale quantum computing and partnering with a growing ecosystem of companies to advance quantum systems across every layer of the stack and bring them to market through the Microsoft Quantum accelerator platform. We believe AI can speed the development of useful quantum computers and shorten the path to their realization. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit https://quantum.microsoft.com/
As a Senior Quantum Simulation Engineer, you will develop and refine advanced simulation methods to model qubit dynamics and error processes to deliver actionable insights that guide qubit designs and operational protocols. You’ll collaborate closely with system, measurement, and quantum error correction teams in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment, working alongside world-class engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of quantum technology.
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
- Simulation Development: Define, implement, and refine error models of quantum devices and their operations.
- Validation & Optimization: Develop, test, and validate models, iterating to improve accuracy and performance.
- Predictive Analysis: Compare simulation outcomes with experimental data to ensure reliability and guide improvements.
- Tool Creation: Build and maintain simulation tools, libraries, and modeling systems to support device development.
- Large-Scale Modeling: Conduct simulations to explore the behavior and scalability of a network of qubits.
- Insight Generation: Translate theoretical and simulation results into design decisions and qubit operation strategies.
- Cross-Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively across teams, demonstrating clear communication.
- 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
- 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 or preferred qualifications
- Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment (completion of a postdoctoral research position may be included)
- OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR equivalent experience
- Research experience in quantum computation in a commercial or academic setting.
- Familiarity with numerical methods for simulating qubit devices.
- Experienced at communicating complex ideas and concepts to audiences with varying domain knowledge.
- Background in quantum error correction and qubit error models.
- Experience modeling the dynamics of open quantum systems.
- Proficiency with high performance computing environments.
- Experience with collaborative code development in Python or Julia.
#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.