| Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 2 days ago
Closes: Nov 30, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $183k

This role $209k

$119k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 74% of similar roles. Most pay $149,750–$215,375 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $183k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 similar postings.

Employer

About Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is a global technology leader producing software, hardware, and cloud services including Windows, Office 365, Azure cloud platform, Xbox gaming, and Surface devices. Industry: Software & Cloud Computing

Microsoft currently has 310 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 285 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · | Microsoft Careers

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As a Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer, you will join a cutting-edge research team focused on quantum hardware R&D. Your primary responsibilities include defining and executing sophisticated characterization experiments using STM/STS, APT, and TEM to extract atomic-scale information crucial for qubit performance. You will collaborate with internal teams and external national laboratories to establish feedback loops between materials properties and device metrics, driving technical leadership across multidisciplinary projects. Key skills required are deep expertise in advanced characterization techniques, experience with complex experimental design, and proficiency in AI/ML tools for data analysis. The role demands a PhD in Physics or related fields plus extensive R&D experience, familiarity with semiconductor-superconductor hybrid materials, and strong publication records.

Skills

STM/STS Atom_Probe_Tomography Transmission_Electron_Microscopy AI ML Data_Analysis Python High_Throughput_Data_Acquisition CI/CD GitHub Google_Cloud_Platform AWS Azure PostgreSQL MongoDB GitLab Jupyter_Notebook TensorFlow Keras

What you'll do

Define and execute advanced characterization experiments using STM/STS, APT, and TEM.
Extract atomic-scale information on composition, defects, and electronic states for quantum materials.
Establish feedback loops linking nanoscale measurements to qubit performance metrics.
Lead experimental campaigns at national laboratories and user facilities.
Provide technical direction across materials, fabrication, and device teams based on characterization insights.
Develop pipelines for high-throughput data acquisition and AI-enabled analysis.

What we're looking for

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field and 3+ years of experience in quantum materials R&D.
Expertise in STM/STS, APT, TEM, and interpreting nanoscale structural and electronic data.
Experience designing and executing complex characterization experiments and working across multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to translate characterization results into actionable guidance for materials growth and device integration.
Develop strategic collaborations with external experts and execute multi-institution experimental programs.