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 Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer to lead and execute state-of-the-art nanoscale characterization of quantum materials and heterostructures using techniques such as STM/STS, atom probe tomography (APT), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
This role is central to establishing a deep physical understanding of materials at the atomic and electronic scale and translating that understanding into actionable insights that directly impact qubit performance, device design, and process integration.
You will operate across internal teams and external national laboratory facilities, defining characterization strategy, executing high-impact experiments, and driving materials → device feedback at the frontier of quantum hardware R&D.
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
Advanced Nanoscale Characterization: Define and execute advanced characterization experiments using: Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS), Atom probe tomography (APT), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Extract atomic-scale and electronic structure information relevant to: Interface quality and disorder, Composition, defects, and dopant distribution, Electronic states and superconducting properties
Materials–Device Feedback & Insight Generation: Establish and own the structure → properties → device feedback loop, linking nanoscale measurements to qubit-relevant metrics
National Lab Collaboration & Experiment Leadership: Lead experimental campaigns at U.S. national laboratories and user facilities (e.g., DOE labs, shared instrumentation centers)
Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Impact: Provide characterization-driven technical direction across materials, fabrication, and device teams
Tooling, Data & AI-Enabled Analysis: Develop and scale pipelines for high-throughput data acquisition, analysis, and correlation
Other
Embody our culture and values.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR equivalent experience.
- As stated in the job posting, this position requires verification of citizenship or other protected status to meet legal requirements of the role. If the role requires US citizenship, as indicated in the job description, a valid US passport must be provided to verify your citizenship. If the role requires US Person status, as indicated in the job description, US citizens must provide a valid US passport for verification while lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may complete this verification using green cards or other status documents, as applicable.
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 work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years of experience in advanced characterization or quantum materials R&D
OR equivalent experience
Deep expertise in one or more of:
STM/STS
Atom probe tomography (APT)
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Experience:
Designing and executing complex characterization experiments
Interpreting nanoscale structural and electronic data
Working across multidisciplinary teams
Interpret complex datasets to identify root causes of performance limitations
Translate characterization results into actionable guidance for materials growth, fabrication, and integration
Experience with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials or quantum-relevant systems
Develop and maintain strategic collaborations with external experts and facility scientists
Plan and execute multi-institution experimental programs, including proposal definition, scheduling, and data delivery
Identify key knowledge gaps and define measurement strategies to de-risk program milestones
Communicate insights clearly across disciplines, influencing materials selection, process integration, and device architecture
Apply AI/ML tools to accelerate:
Image and spectroscopy analysis
Feature extraction and defect classification
Cross-correlation of structure and device performance
Build reusable data and knowledge frameworks across characterization methods
Experience working with national labs or large-scale user facilities
Background in correlating nanoscale structure with device or quantum performance
Familiarity with MBE growth, nanofabrication, or low-temperature transport measurements
Track record of technical impact (publications, invited talks, or major experimental programs led)
Familiarity with advanced spectroscopic techniques (e.g., ARPES, HAXPES)
#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $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.
Skills Required
- Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years industry or R&D experience (OR Master's +6 years, OR Bachelor's +8 years, OR equivalent experience)
- Demonstrated expertise with nanoscale characterization tools (STM/STS, APT, TEM)
- Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements (Microsoft Cloud Background Check every two years)
- Citizenship or protected status verification to assess eligibility to access export-controlled information (proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency documents)
- Experience designing and executing complex characterization experiments and interpreting nanoscale structural and electronic data
- Ability to lead experimental campaigns at U.S. national laboratories and shared-user facilities
- Ability to leverage AI/ML tools for image/spectroscopy analysis, feature extraction, and cross-correlation workflows
- Strong cross-functional communication and ability to translate characterization results into actionable guidance for materials growth and device integration
- Willingness/ability to collaborate with external experts and facility scientists and to plan multi-institution experimental programs
- Familiarity with semiconductor-superconductor hybrid materials, MBE growth, nanofabrication, or low-temperature transport measurements
- Track record of technical impact (publications, invited talks, or leadership of major experimental programs)
- Familiarity with advanced spectroscopic techniques (e.g., ARPES, HAXPES)
Microsoft Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Microsoft and has not been reviewed or approved by Microsoft.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is presented as broadly competitive overall, with clear role/level/location variation and an emphasis on using posted ranges and band information for apples-to-apples comparisons.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout, highlighted by a strong 401(k) match structure and immediate vesting, plus additional plan features for tax-advantaged saving.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits are portrayed as a meaningful strength, with substantial paid parental leave and added supports like back-up care and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
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