Principal Quantum Engineer, Quantum Systems

Microsoft

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust
Hybrid

Quick summary

Work type
Hybrid
Location
—
Salary
$142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted
3 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago
Closes
Mar 21, 2027

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $181k
This role $209k
$126k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 73% of similar roles. Most pay $149,525–$211,827 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $181k 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 644 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 624 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Quantum Engineer, Quantum Systems

As a Principal Quantum Engineer - Quantum Systems, you will join the Quantum Systems team to advance the devices, experiments, tools, and engineering methods necessary for scalable quantum computing. You will design and build cryogenic systems, control and readout electronics, measurement instrumentation, and supporting mechanical and electrical infrastructure while integrating these subsystems with quantum devices. Your daily work involves leading cross-functional collaboration across hardware, software, and algorithm teams to resolve system-level challenges and validate performance in room-temperature and cryogenic environments. You will utilize high-level languages like Python or MATLAB for data analysis, instrument control, simulation, and automation. The role focuses on solving complex technical hurdles in the quantum domain by establishing engineering best practices, managing risk, and developing reusable methods to ensure reliability and scalability within a sophisticated hardware development environment.

What you'll do

  • Design and direct specialized experiments or simulations to inform engineering decisions through data collection and analysis.
  • Lead the development and optimization of equipment, devices, tools, and processes for quantum research.
  • Coordinate across hardware, software, and algorithm teams to define requirements and resolve system-level challenges.
  • Establish engineering best practices to improve reliability, scalability, and performance of quantum systems.
  • Identify technical risks and documentation gaps while leading root-cause investigations and implementing solutions.
  • Create and maintain high-quality technical documentation and reusable methods for consistent use across teams.
  • Ensure all laboratory and engineering work complies with safety, security, and "secure-by-design" practices.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering with 8+ years of experience, Master's with 6+ years, or Doctorate with 3+ years.
  • Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check and meet export control requirements (ITAR/EAR).
  • Proof of citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required for access to export-controlled information.
  • Ability to work in an "AI-first" environment using modern AI tools to accelerate hardware development discovery.
  • Advanced degree with 12+ years experience, Master's with 8+ years, or Doctorate with 5+ years (preferred).
  • Deep experience in quantum engineering areas such as cryogenic hardware, electronics, measurement, or systems integration (preferred).
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through ambiguous technical problems and developing scalable engineering tools or processes (preferred).
  • Programming experience in high-level languages like Python or MATLAB for data analysis and automation (preferred).

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