Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer | Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 5 days ago
Closes: Dec 2, 2026
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $186k

This role $209k

$126k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 72% of similar roles. Most pay $155,975–$216,250 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $186k 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 1103 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 985 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer | Microsoft Careers

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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 using STM/STS, APT, and TEM. Your daily responsibilities include defining and executing high-impact experiments, extracting atomic-scale information, and driving feedback loops between material properties and device performance. You will collaborate with national laboratories, develop technical strategies for cross-functional teams, and create scalable data analysis pipelines. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Physics or Materials Science and have extensive experience in advanced characterization techniques, semiconductor-superconductor hybrid materials, and AI/ML tools for image and spectroscopy analysis. This role demands expertise in interpreting complex datasets and translating insights into actionable guidance for materials growth and fabrication processes.

Skills

STM/STS Atom_Probe_Tomography Transmission_Electron_Microscopy AI ML Data_Analysis Python MATLAB GitHub Jupyter_Notebooks CI/CD Git Scikit-Learn TensorFlow Keras PyTorch PostgreSQL MongoDB

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

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