Principal Quantum 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: 5 roles within 25 mi

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Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $197k

This role $209k

$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 64% of similar roles. Most pay $166,375–$227,150 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $197k 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 694 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 636 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Quantum Engineer

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As a Principal Quantum Engineer at Microsoft Quantum, you will join an elite team dedicated to building scalable quantum computing systems based on topological qubits. Your role involves guiding process integration decisions and fabrication flows through theoretical insights and atomistic simulations, collaborating closely with experts across various disciplines. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing simulation roadmaps for materials and interfaces, validating models with experimental data, optimizing workflows using high-performance computing environments, and communicating technical recommendations to engineering teams and leadership. Essential skills encompass experience in first-principles simulations like DFT and molecular dynamics, proficiency in Python for collaborative code development, and familiarity with modeling superconducting and semiconducting materials. This role demands a PhD or equivalent experience in Physics or Engineering, along with extensive industry or research background in atomistic and materials modeling.

Skills

DFT MD Molecular_Dynamics Python High_Performance_Computing Dielectric_Materials Superconducting_Materials Semiconducting_Materials Finite_Temperature_Dynamics Diffusion_Reactions Amorphization Collaborative_Code_Development Atomistic_Simulations Materials_Modeling

What you'll do

Develop and own the simulation roadmap for crystalline and amorphous materials.
Build models to validate simulations and optimize experimental setups.
Collaborate with fabrication teams to align theoretical predictions with practical data.
Architect scalable workflows using high-performance computing environments.
Provide clear recommendations on technical decisions and risks to leadership.

What we're looking for

Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with 5+ years of industry experience.
Demonstrated technical leadership on complex, multi-disciplinary hardware programs.
Research experience in atomistic and materials modeling in commercial or academic settings.
Experience with first-principles simulations (e.g., DFT) and molecular dynamics for materials and interfaces.
Proficiency with high performance computing environments and collaborative code development in Python.
Familiarity with modeling dielectric materials, defects, diffusion, and interfaces.
Simulation experience of superconducting and semiconducting materials and their interfaces.