Senior Quantum Characterization Engineer
At Microsoft Quantum, we aim to empower science and scientists to solve the world’s biggest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. For more information about our team, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum.
Microsoft Quantum is building the world’s first scalable quantum computing system, with a full‑stack approach spanning materials, devices, systems, and cloud services. Our hardware strategy is centered on topological qubits, which require sophisticated nanofabrication of hybrid semiconductor–superconductor devices with stringent control of interfaces, materials quality, and process integration.
We are seeking a Senior Quantum Characterization Engineer with a background in structural and electrical characterization of semiconductor devices to develop, optimize, and execute characterizations of quantum materials and devices. This role focuses on execution excellence, experimental rigor, and cross-functional collaboration, contributing directly to improvements in qubit performance and scalability. You will work closely with experts in device physics, modeling, fabrication, and characterization in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary R&D environment.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
Demonstrate expertise with and performs measurement techniques to advance quantum practices and devices
Identify opportunities to streamline and automate quantum measurements
Develop hypotheses, designs experiments, and modify future experiments based on results
Seek, understand, and utilize technical input across technical fields
Other
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field AND 6+ years’ experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Master's Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field AND 4+ years’ experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Doctorate in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field AND 1+ years’ experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR equivalent experience.
Other Requirements:
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.
Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation).
Ability to design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals, design docs)
Additional or Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field AND 8+ years’ experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Master's Degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field AND 6+ years’ experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Doctorate in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field AND 3+ years’ experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience with structural characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and optical imaging
3+ years of experience with electrical characterization techniques such as Hall effect and capacitance-voltage measurements
Experience with superconductor-semiconductor hybrid materials or III/V semiconductors
Experience with operation of cryostats for low-temperature electrical characterization
Proficiency with scientific programming and data analysis tools (e.g., Python)
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams
#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.