Principal Hardware Architect

Overview The Microsoft Quantum team is redefining what is possible with technology—creating unprecedented possibilities to solve humanity’s most complex challenges. Our team combines hardware innovation with software technologies and Azure services to build scalable quantum technologies in an industry-leading quantum ecosystem.

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 (AI), 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 . We are looking for a Principal Hardware Architect to help define the architecture of a next-generation topological quantum system.

Working across the stack, from quantum error correction to fabrication and growth, you will evaluate system-level trade-offs and drive key hardware decisions. In this role, you will shape the system architecture for a next-generation topological quantum platform by connecting device, control, and error-correction requirements into a coherent hardware roadmap.

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 Translate system-level performance goals, including qubit fidelity and error-correction targets, into measurable subsystem requirements and engineering priorities. Partner across research, fabrication, and engineering teams to evaluate hardware trade-offs and guide architecture decisions across the full hardware stack.

Communicate architectural decisions, assumptions, and trade-offs clearly through documentation and presentations tailored to stakeholders with different technical backgrounds. Other: Embody our culture and values . Qualifications Required/Minimum 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. 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 use AI tools to improve engineering productivity, including performance analysis, research synthesis, and routine workflow automation. Ability to work effectively in an AI-first environment by incorporating modern AI tools into day-to-day hardware development and decision-making.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment. OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 10+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment.

OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment. OR equivalent experience. 8+ years of experience with measurement-based topological quantum computation. 5+ years of experience in quantum error correction.

Demonstrated experience translating system-level performance goals into subsystem requirements, a strong record of driving cross-disciplinary hardware architecture decisions, and the ability to communicate complex technical trade-offs clearly to both specialists and broad engineering audiences. #Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800.00 - $274,800.00 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 $188,000.00 - $304,200.00 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.