Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented and diverse international team to create the world’s first scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack approach involves exciting innovation from the physics of quantum devices through scalable readout and control systems based on cryo-electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing. This position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful influence on a revolutionary technology. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit https://quantum.microsoft.com/
The Quantum Systems team is seeking a
Principal Quantum Instrumentation Lead to drive the architecture, integration, and scaling of advanced instrumentation systems. This technical leadership role is responsible for setting the direction of measurement, control, and data acquisition systems, while collaborating cross-functionally with quantum physicists, cryo/mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and firmware/software teams.
As a technical authority in instrumentation, you will play a pivotal role in evolving our hardware stack to meet the performance, reliability, and throughput demands of next-generation quantum computing.
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
- Collaborate closely with our leads in readout, control, and system integration to develop the system architecture for room-temperature instrumentation. This includes components such as radio frequency (RF) and microwave systems, direct current (DC) sources, digitization tools, and timing mechanisms.
- Lead the design and selection of scalable hardware for qubit control and measurement, including arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs), digitizers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and multiplexing hardware.
- Define and implement instrumentation roadmaps, balancing near-term experimental needs with long-term scalability. This would include providing make versus buy decisions along this roadmap.
- Develop and apply instrumentation standards and best practices across multiple teams and projects,
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including quantum research, quantum architecture, quantum experimentalists, cryogenics, software, electrical engineering, and test engineering to define requirements and ensure tight integration across the stack.
- Drive diagnostics and debug capabilities into the instrumentation layer to support hardware bring-up and reliability analysis.
- Lead vendor engagement and manage build/buy decisions on key tooling components.
- Other:
- Embody our Culture and Values
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications
- Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR equivalent experience.
- Proficient in quantum computing hardware concepts (e.g. topological, superconducting, trapped ion, or spin-based qubits).
- Demonstrated leadership in architecting and scaling complex hardware systems.
- Effective communication skills and demonstrated the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
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 (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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.
- On-site Location: Redmond, Washington
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with scalable quantum control systems (e.g., cryoCMOS, FPGA/RF-SOC-based control, room temperature rack design)
- Deep experience with RF/microwave instrumentation, low-noise analog design, and precision timing architectures
- Familiarity with low-temperature environments, cryostats, and cabling constraints
- Knowledge of quantum calibration routines and automation frameworks
- Previous work with test automation and data acquisition infrastructure at scale
- Experience delivering complex products in a fast-paced environment with evolving customer requirements
- Proficient in scripting and software control of lab instrumentation (Python, LabVIEW, or similar)
- Proficient with low level firmware development
- Track record of mentorship and team technical leadership
Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until September 19, 2025.
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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.