Principal Quantum Materials 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 $200k

This role $209k

$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 63% of similar roles. Most pay $169,875–$229,700 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $200k 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 Materials Engineer

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The Principal Quantum Materials Engineer will lead the development of superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures to enhance topological qubit performance and scalability within a fast-paced R&D environment. This senior role involves defining and refining molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth protocols, ensuring precise control over interfaces and material properties that impact device outcomes. The engineer will also design data-driven experiments to optimize materials for reduced disorder and enhanced spin-orbit coupling, while collaborating with nanofabrication, characterization, theory, and device teams to integrate these advancements into fabrication processes. Additionally, the role requires expertise in AI tools to accelerate materials discovery and optimization, as well as maintaining UHV MBE systems and developing new diagnostics. Ideal candidates hold a PhD or equivalent experience in physics or materials science, with a proven track record of improving device performance through innovative MBE processes and knowledge of quantum-relevant material systems.

Skills

MBE UHV MBE systems RHEED Spectroscopy AI Python Machine Learning Data Analysis Log Analysis Knowledge Retrieval Device Physics Theory Nanofabrication Characterization

What you'll do

Define and refine MBE growth protocols for superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures.
Execute experiments linking growth conditions to device performance improvements.
Design and maintain UHV MBE systems with advanced in-situ diagnostics.
Lead cross-functional teams to enable end-to-end process development.
Use AI tools to accelerate materials discovery and optimization processes.
Provide technical judgment on growth tradeoffs influencing fabrication flows.

What we're looking for

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field and 5+ years of experience in industry or advanced R&D
Proven track record of developing MBE processes that improve device performance
Experience with semiconductor-superconductor hybrid materials and III-V semiconductors
Ability to design and execute data-driven experiments for material-device feedback loops
Expertise in designing, building, and maintaining UHV MBE systems and in-situ diagnostics
Strong cross-functional technical leadership skills in a fast-paced R&D environment
Experience operating effectively in an AI-first R&D setting to accelerate materials development

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