Principal Quantum Architect

Microsoft

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: —
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 73 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Closes: Dec 27, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $222k

This role $209k

$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays less than 56% of similar roles. Most pay $187,109–$256,712 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $222k 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 598 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 586 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at Microsoft

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Quantum Architect

Role Posting Log in to save

As a Principal Quantum Architect on the Microsoft Quantum team, you will help define a next-generation topological quantum system by focusing on the readout and control layer. You will be responsible for translating system requirements into scalable subsystem and component requirements while managing room-temperature instruments and orchestration software. Your daily work involves analyzing qubit tuning and circuit execution flows in measurement-based systems, performing scaling analysis, and conducting behavioral modeling to ensure performance goals are met. To achieve these objectives, you will utilize modern AI tools for rapid prototyping, research synthesis, and engineering productivity. The role requires expertise in quantum algorithms, error correction, and high-performance computing environments. You will solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of advanced computing and quantum information technology by developing software for complex research environments and ensuring long-term maintainability.

Skills

Quantum Computing Azure High-Performance Computing Artificial Intelligence Quantum Algorithms Quantum Error Correction Rapid Prototyping System Architecture Circuit Execution Behavioral Modeling

What you'll do

Translate system-level requirements for qubit tuning and circuit execution into scalable architectural requirements.
Define subsystem requirements for readout, control, and orchestration software layers.
Perform scaling analysis and behavioral modeling to evaluate system performance.
Use modern AI tools to validate architectural concepts through rapid prototyping.
Conduct research synthesis and workflow automation using AI to improve engineering productivity.
Communicate technical trade-offs and architectural recommendations across multi-disciplinary teams.

What we're looking for

A Doctorate in Physics or Engineering with 3+ years of industry or R&D experience is required.
A Master's Degree in Physics or Engineering with 6+ years of industry or R&D experience is required.
A Bachelor's Degree in Physics or Engineering with 8+ years of industry or R&D experience is required.
Candidates must be able to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check and meet export control requirements (ITAR/EAR).
Candidates must provide proof of citizenship or U.S. permanent residency for export-controlled information access.
Ability to use modern AI tools for engineering productivity, research synthesis, and workflow automation is required.
Familiarity with quantum algorithms, error correction, and end-to-end system architecture for quantum computing platforms is preferred.
Strong scientific programming skills and experience in high-performance computing environments are preferred.

Save