Principal Electrical Engineer, Instrument Development

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 93 days ago
Closes: Sep 23, 2026
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $176k

This role $209k

$124k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 78% of similar roles. Most pay $145,975–$205,950 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $176k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 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 622 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 571 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Electrical Engineer, Instrument Development

Role Posting Log in to save

The Quantum Systems team at Microsoft is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer with expertise in instrument development to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of specialized instrumentation for quantum hardware. This role involves overseeing mixed-signal electronics, low-noise measurements, timing/clocking systems, and high-speed data conversion across lab and cryogenic environments. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to define electrical specifications and validation platforms that ensure new designs are reliable and efficient. Key skills include experience in precision analog design, signal integrity, and collaboration with firmware/software teams. Ideal candidates have a strong background in delivering complex instruments from prototype to sustained operation and possess effective communication and mentorship abilities.

Skills

Python C++ Linux Git Jenkins Docker Kubernetes AWS Azure PostgreSQL CI/CD LabVIEW MATLAB Verilog VHDL SignalIntegrity PowerIntegrity TimingClocking HighSpeedDigitalInterfaces RFMicrowave PrecisionAnalogDesign MixedSignalDesign

What you'll do

Lead the architecture and deployment of specialized instrumentation for quantum hardware characterization.
Design precision low-noise mixed-signal electronics for measurement and control in lab/cryo environments.
Define timing/synchronization approaches and manage key electrical interfaces between instruments and systems.
Drive robust validation processes, including test plans and automated measurements for instrument performance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate system needs into measurable electrical specifications.

What we're looking for

Doctorate in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience with 3+ years of industry or R&D.
Technical leadership in architecting and delivering complex electrical instruments/systems.
Proficient in precision analog, mixed-signal design, signal integrity, timing/clocking, RF/microwave, high-speed digital interfaces.
Experience defining validation strategies and executing bring-up/debug for hardware systems.
Effective communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines.
Track record of delivering complex products from prototype to sustained operation.
Experience building shared reference/validation testbeds to de-risk new designs.

Hybrid

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