Microsoft is the world’s center of expertise on topological quantum computing. We are building a scaled, fault‑tolerant quantum computer grounded in topological qubits and integrated end‑to‑end with the Azure Quantum software stack.
As a Quantum Systems Software Development Engineer II in our Quantum Systems organization, you will contribute to the development of software systems used to control, configure, and interface with scientific instruments that operate and measure advanced quantum hardware. This role focuses on building reliable, well‑structured software components primarily in Python, with supporting systems‑level development in languages such as C/C++ that communicate with networked, FPGA‑ and SoC‑based devices using both standardized and proprietary protocols.
Our work sits at the intersection of hardware, software, and physics. You will work closely with experienced software engineers, quantum experimentalists, and hardware partners to help turn evolving research systems into robust, repeatable, and observable instrument platforms, while learning how complex hardware–software systems are developed, tested, and operated.
At Microsoft Quantum, our mission is to empower science and scientists to solve the world’s hardest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high‑performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology.
Learn more at: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum
If you enjoy working on real‑world systems at the hardware–software boundary, learning from cross‑disciplinary teams, and using modern tools (including AI) to improve engineering productivity, we’d love to talk.
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain software used to control and interface with scientific and experimental instruments, including custom control, readout, and related hardware subsystems.
Develop and maintain Python‑based APIs, libraries, and tools used by experimentalists and automation workflows, while contributing supporting components in systems‑level languages as needed.
Translate hardware capabilities, communication protocols, and system constraints into clean, well‑factored software abstractions with clear ownership boundaries.
Develop software for instruments that communicate over proprietary, non‑VISA protocols, while also supporting standardized interfaces (e.g., VISA/SCPI) where applicable.
Apply software quality practices to ensure instrument‑control software is reliable, testable, and maintainable, including unit testing, debugging, and validation.
Collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and system software engineers during instrument bring‑up, integration, and debugging.
Contribute to shared libraries, patterns, and frameworks related to instrument control to improve consistency and long‑term maintainability.
Embody our Culture and Values
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 1+ year(s) software industry experience, including research and/or development of 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 2+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
OR equivalent experience.
2+ years programming experience in related programming languages.
1+ year(s) experience in a collaborative environment.
- 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.
Additional or Preferred Qualifications
Strong proficiency in Python and at least one systems‑level programming language (C, C++, C#, or Rust), including designing maintainable, extensible software using sound object‑oriented and modular design principles, and the ability to work effectively across language boundaries.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and deliver software at the feature or component level, working from defined requirements and collaborating with partners to clarify scope, constraints, and tradeoffs.
Experience developing software that interfaces with hardware or network‑connected external systems, such as scientific instruments, embedded systems, or custom services, including working with both standardized (e.g., VISA/SCPI) and proprietary communication protocols.
Ability to apply software quality and verification practices, including unit testing, debugging, validation, and (where applicable) CI/CD or hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, to ensure correctness and reliability.
Experience developing instrument control, measurement, or experimental automation software, including familiarity with data acquisition systems, measurement pipelines, and associated metadata or data workflows.
Experience designing or contributing to APIs or Python bindings layered over systems‑level code.
Background in physics, quantum computing, or other applied scientific or engineering domains.
Other Requirements
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements is required for this role, including:
Microsoft Cloud Background Check (upon hire and every two years thereafter)
Citizenship and Citizenship Verification: This role may require access to export‑controlled information under applicable regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR). Eligibility will be assessed in accordance with legal requirements.
Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation).
Familiarity with designing and building AI agents/copilots that assist with design, development, experiment setup, log triage, report generation, specification generation, and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals, design docs).
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 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 $133,800 - $219,200 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
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or a related field plus 1+ year of software industry experience, or bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 2+ years of software industry experience, or equivalent experience.
- 2+ years of programming experience in related programming languages.
- 1+ year of experience working in a collaborative environment.
- Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements.
- Ability to satisfy citizenship or other protected-status verification requirements for export-controlled information.
- Strong proficiency in Python and at least one systems-level language such as C, C++, C#, or Rust.
- Experience designing and delivering software features or components from defined requirements.
- Experience developing software interfacing with hardware or network-connected external systems, including standardized and proprietary protocols.
- Experience with unit testing, debugging, validation, CI/CD, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Experience developing instrument-control, measurement, or experimental-automation software.
- Experience designing APIs or Python bindings over systems-level code.
- Background in physics, quantum computing, or applied scientific or engineering domains.
- Ability to leverage AI tools to improve engineering productivity.
- Familiarity with designing and building AI agents or copilots.
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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