This role pays less than
65%
of similar roles. Most pay
$177,250–$235,750
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$177k
versus about
$206k
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
586 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 577 roles with salary data.
As a Senior Quantum Architect on the Quantum Hardware Systems Architecture and Pathfinding team, you will define and drive the end-to-end architecture of scalable quantum computing systems. You will be responsible for translating technical goals into cohesive system architectures across quantum hardware, classical infrastructure, firmware, software, and cloud services for both first-party topological systems and third-party partner systems in multiple qubit modalities. Your daily work involves establishing system partitioning, defining dataflows, and managing trade-offs to move toward production-ready systems. You will utilize skills in system modeling, hardware pathfinding, and quantum plane technologies, including solid-state or atomic, molecular, or optical qubits. The role addresses the complex challenge of integrating quantum information technology with high-performance computing and artificial intelligence to solve intricate problems through advanced computing platforms and robust infrastructure design across the full technology stack.
Define system architectures for scalable quantum computing platforms across both quantum and classical domains.
Drive architectural direction across hardware, firmware, software, and cloud services.
Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across the full technology stack.
Define interfaces, dataflows, and integration frameworks to ensure reliable and scalable operations.
Lead system-level trade-offs to guide platform evolution toward production-ready quantum systems.
Perform system modeling and hardware pathfinding for critical components and system integration.
What we're looking for
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 4+ years of software industry experience is required, or a Master's with 3+ years, or a Doctorate with 1+ year.
Candidates must have at least 4 years of programming experience in related languages.
Candidates must have at least 4 years of experience working in a collaborative environment.
Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Checks and meet export control requirements (ITAR/EAR) is required.
Proof of citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required for access to export-controlled information.
Familiarity with basic AI tools like Office CoPilot, GitHub CoPilot, or ChatGPT is required.
Ability to work in an "AI-first" environment using modern AI tools to accelerate development is required.
Advanced degrees in Physics or Engineering with 3 to 8+ years of R&D experience are preferred based on the degree level held.
Quantum Computing
SoC
RTL
Netlist
Analog Mixed-Signal
Design Verification
DFT
Python
C
C++
MATLAB
Visual Studio Code
AI
Simulation
Characterization
Scripting
High-Performance Computing
Quantum Computing
Quantum Error Correction
Quantum Control Systems
Real-time Systems
Embedded Software
CUDA
NVIDIA GPUs
AI
Systems Analysis
Firmware
Networking
Benchmarking