Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: —
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 24 days ago
Closes: Nov 30, 2026

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Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $201k

This role $209k

$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 63% of similar roles. Most pay $177,250–$224,387 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $201k 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 Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer

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As a Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer, you will join a cutting-edge team focused on quantum hardware R&D to lead the nanoscale characterization of quantum materials and heterostructures. Your daily tasks include defining and executing advanced experiments using STM/STS, APT, and TEM, extracting critical atomic-scale information, and driving insights that enhance qubit performance. You will collaborate with national laboratories, manage high-impact experimental campaigns, and develop scalable data analysis pipelines. Essential qualifications are a PhD in Physics or Materials Science plus extensive experience in quantum materials R&D, expertise in STM/STS, APT, or TEM, and proficiency in AI-enabled analysis tools. Ideal candidates also have a strong track record of technical impact and familiarity with semiconductor-superconductor hybrid systems and advanced spectroscopic techniques.

Skills

STM/STS Atom_Probe_Tomography Transmission_Electron_Microscopy AI ML Data_Analysis Python MATLAB R High_Throughput_Data_Acquisition Cross_Correlation MBE_Growth Nanofabrication Low_Temperature_Transport_Measurements ARPES HAXPES

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, or similar nanoscale characterization techniques.
Experience designing and executing complex characterization experiments.
Ability to interpret nanoscale structural and electronic data for actionable insights.
Strong track record of technical impact through publications or major experimental programs led.
Experience working with national labs or large-scale user facilities on multi-institution projects.
Proficiency in applying AI/ML tools for image analysis, feature extraction, and cross-correlation.

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