Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 12 days ago
Closes: Dec 12, 2026
Nearby: 2 roles within 25 mi

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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 64% of similar roles. Most pay $176,937–$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 at our cutting-edge quantum hardware R&D team, you will lead the nanoscale characterization of quantum materials and heterostructures using STM/STS, APT, and TEM. Your daily tasks include defining and executing high-impact experiments to extract atomic-scale information that impacts qubit performance, while collaborating with internal teams and external national laboratories to drive materials-to-device feedback loops. You will develop scalable data analysis pipelines and leverage AI tools for image and spectroscopy analysis, ensuring your work translates into actionable insights for device design and process integration. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Physics or Materials Science and have extensive experience in advanced characterization techniques, semiconductor-superconductor hybrid systems, and working with national labs.

Skills

STM/STS Atom_Probe_Tomography Transmission_Electron_Microscopy AI ML Data_Analysis Python High_Throughput_Data_Acquisition CI/CD Collaboration_Platforms GitHub Jupyter_Notebooks PostgreSQL MongoDB TensorFlow PyTorch

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 relevant to qubit performance.
Establish feedback loops linking nanoscale measurements to device properties for quantum hardware optimization.
Lead experimental campaigns at national laboratories, driving high-impact materials research.
Develop data analysis pipelines using AI/ML tools to correlate structure with device performance.
Provide technical direction across multidisciplinary teams in materials and fabrication processes.

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, and TEM for nanoscale characterization.
Experience designing and executing complex characterization experiments.
Ability to interpret nanoscale structural and electronic data.
Track record of technical impact through publications or major experimental programs led.
Experience working with national labs or large-scale user facilities.
Familiarity with correlating nanoscale structure with device performance.

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