Principal Quantum Systems Architect

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Redmond, WA
Salary
$142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted
39 days ago
Closes
Nov 15, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $204k
This role $209k
$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 61% of similar roles. Most pay $171,468–$235,750 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $204k 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 622 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 571 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at Microsoft

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Quantum Systems Architect

As a Principal Quantum Systems Architect at Microsoft’s Quantum program, you will lead the design and architecture of scalable classical control and readout systems for large-scale quantum computing. This strategic technical leadership role involves defining system architectures that bridge room-temperature and cryogenic domains, driving architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms, establishing co-design strategies across hardware and software layers, and guiding platform evolution towards production-ready systems. You will work with cutting-edge technologies such as FPGA, ASIC, and custom accelerators in a collaborative environment to solve complex challenges at the quantum-classical interface. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in system architecture fundamentals, signal processing, and cross-functional leadership, making significant contributions to large-scale system delivery from concept to production.

What you'll do

  • Define system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout in room-temperature and cryogenic environments.
  • Drive architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms supporting various workloads.
  • Establish partitioning strategies across hardware, firmware, software, and quantum systems.
  • Design communication and synchronization architectures for deterministic low-latency operation.
  • Lead system-level trade-offs to guide platform evolution towards scalable production systems.

What we're looking for

  • Doctorate in a relevant field and 3+ years of industry experience, or equivalent.
  • Extensive programming experience with related languages (6+ years).
  • Experience designing complex compute or signal-processing architectures.
  • Proficient understanding of system architecture fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware/software co-design initiatives.
  • Familiarity with quantum control, readout, and error correction concepts.

More like this

Similar roles

Senior Quantum Applications Architect

Microsoft

12 days ago $119,800$234,700
Python C++ Quantum Computing High-Performance Computing AI Machine Learning Scientific Computing Compiler Development Hybrid Quantum-Classical Workflows Cloud Services CI/CD GitHub Linux Microsoft Azure Responsible AI

Principal Quantum Engineer, Systems Physics & Performance

Microsoft

71 days ago $165,600$296,400
Python MATLAB R Qiskit C++ Java Linux Git Jupyter CI/CD AWS Azure Google Cloud Superconducting_Qubits Topological_Quantum_Computing Condensed_Matter_Physics Xray_Scattering Spectroscopy Nanoscale_Probes Time_Resolved_Techniques Cryogenic_Measurement_Pods Device_Fabrication_Workflows Optics THz_Technology Alternative_Readout_Pathways

Senior Quantum Design Verification Engineer

Microsoft

22 days ago $119,800$234,700
Python C++ Perl Matlab Visual_Studio_Code Analog_Mixed_Signal_Modeling Simulation Verification Design_for_Test CI/CD Azure Git Docker Jenkins PostgreSQL MariaDB

Senior Quantum Engineer, System Characterization

Microsoft

Redmond, WA 4 days ago $119,800$234,700
Python lock-in amplifiers analog preamps Helium 3 cryostats dilution refrigerators electrical transport characterization RF measurement techniques microwave measurement techniques analog electronic circuit design technical report writing cross-team collaboration Mentoring