Job Description

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. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing. This position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful influence on a revolutionary technology. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit  https://quantum.microsoft.com/

The Quantum program is seeking a Principal Quantum Software Engineer to develop the world’s first scalable quantum computing system. This role is suited for engineers who independently deliver complex quantum engineering work while expanding technical depth and crossteam influence. 

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

• Technical Execution & Engineering: Support the design, implementation, and improvement of quantum devices and supporting technologies by running experiments, simulations, and engineering analyses that evaluate performance, validate designs, and guide nextstep enhancements, applying strong engineering and physics fundamentals throughout. 

• Measurement, Experimentation & Analysis: Develop and apply measurement techniques to characterize devices, materials, or systems; analyze experimental or simulation data to guide decisions; and refine designs or approaches based on results and feedback.  

• Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Partner with crossdisciplinary hardware, software, fabrication, and research teams to align on technical goals, document methods and results for reuse, and integrate expert input as needed.  

• Tools, Safety & Best Practices: Apply engineering best practices to develop and improve tools, processes, and documentation that support quantum R&D, and uphold safety and laboratory standards, escalating issues as needed to maintain a safe work environment. 

• Community & Outreach (as applicable): Contribute to internal knowledge sharing through presentations, documentation, or technical discussions, and support external engagement - such as conferences, workshops, or collaborations—alongside senior team members.

Other

• Embody our culture and values. 

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
  • OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
  • OR equivalent experience.

• 6+ years programming experience in related programming languages.
• 6+ years experience in a collaborative environment.

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 or Export Administration Regulations, 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 work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.  

• Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation). 

Additional/Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 5+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
  • OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 8+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 12+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
  • OR equivalent experience.

Quantum Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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.