Principal Quantum System Architect | Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Closes in 5 days

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Washington · California · New York
Salary
$139,900–$274,800 / yr
Posted
174 days ago
Closes
Jun 9, 2026 (soon)

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $211k
This role $207k
$124k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays less than 58% of similar roles. Most pay $185,687–$235,750 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $207k versus about $211k 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 System Architect | Microsoft Careers

The Principal Quantum System Architect position at Microsoft’s Quantum team involves leading the conceptualization, design, and evaluation of quantum computing systems using various qubit technologies. This senior-level role requires building performance models to identify system bottlenecks, developing advanced toolsets for modeling quantum components, and driving collaboration across interdisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in high-performance computing, quantum algorithms, and classical computer architecture, including accelerators like GPUs and TPUs. Proficiency in applied mathematics, critical thinking, and communication is essential as the role demands working independently while fostering a dynamic team environment focused on scalable quantum technologies within Microsoft’s industry-leading ecosystem.

What you'll do

  • Evaluate qubit technologies to identify system bottlenecks and trade-offs.
  • Construct performance models to determine optimal quantum system requirements.
  • Develop advanced toolsets for modeling quantum components and subsystems.
  • Determine novel quantum applications and assess required quantum resources.
  • Conceptualize and design complex architecture for future quantum machines.

What we're looking for

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with 8+ years of experience or equivalent.
  • Master’s degree in relevant field with 6+ years of experience or equivalent.
  • Doctorate in relevant field with 3+ years of experience or equivalent.
  • 4+ years of experience in high-performance computing, quantum algorithms, error correction, simulation, and hardware modeling.
  • Strong ability to work effectively across internal and external organizations.
  • Experience developing and implementing algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum systems.
  • Proficiency in classical computer performance modeling including accelerators.

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