Principal Quantum Materials Engineer | Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 1 day ago
Closes: Nov 30, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $193k

This role $209k

$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 68% of similar roles. Most pay $170,000–$216,253 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $193k 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 547 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Quantum Materials Engineer | Microsoft Careers

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The Principal Quantum Materials Engineer role is a senior position within Microsoft’s Quantum team, focusing on developing superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures that enhance topological qubit performance and scalability. This engineer will define and refine molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth protocols to achieve precise control over interfaces, composition, strain, and defect density, driving materials improvements such as enhanced spin-orbit coupling and reduced disorder. They will also design and execute data-driven experiments to ensure that materials advances translate into measurable qubit improvements, while leading the development of UHV MBE systems and in-situ diagnostics. The role involves cross-functional collaboration with nanofabrication, characterization, theory, and device teams, leveraging AI tools for accelerated discovery and optimization. Ideal candidates have a PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Materials Science, or related fields, along with proven expertise in developing MBE processes that improve device performance or enable new concepts in quantum-relevant materials systems.

Skills

MBE UHV MBE systems RHEED Spectroscopy AI Python Machine Learning Data Analysis Quantum Computing Materials Science Physics

What you'll do

Define and refine MBE growth protocols for superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures.
Design experiments linking growth conditions to device performance improvements.
Lead the development and maintenance of UHV MBE systems and diagnostics.
Provide technical guidance on materials issues influencing fabrication processes.
Use AI tools to accelerate discovery and optimization in materials research.

What we're looking for

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related field with 2+ years of industry experience
Proven track record of developing MBE processes that improve device performance
Experience with semiconductor-superconductor hybrid materials and III-V semiconductors
Expertise in designing and executing experiments to refine growth protocols for heterostructures
Leadership in building, upgrading, and maintaining UHV MBE systems and diagnostics
Ability to collaborate across disciplines to drive coherent process development
Proficiency in using AI tools to accelerate materials discovery and optimization

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