Principal Quantum Systems Architect

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Quantum Systems Architect (Control & Readout). Location: Redmond, WA, USA

Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid, 3 days/week in-office)

Responsibilities:

• Define the system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout across room-temperature and cryogenic environments.
• Drive the architectural direction of heterogeneous compute platforms supporting quantum control, measurement, and feedback workloads.
• Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across hardware, firmware, software, and quantum systems;
• Design communication, synchronization, and dataflow architectures that enable deterministic, low-latency operation at scale.
• Lead system-level architectural trade-offs involving performance, scalability, reliability, and production readiness.
• Guide validation, integration, and long-term evolution of scalable quantum computing platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams across the quantum hardware and software stack.
• Demonstrate Microsoft’s culture and values through technical leadership and collaboration.

Qualifications:

• One of the following:
  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years of industry or research and development experience.
  • Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with 10+ years of industry or research and development experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with 12+ years of industry or research and development experience.
  • Equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire and every two years thereafter;
• Ability to meet export control and citizenship verification requirements, including verification through appropriate documentation where applicable.
• Familiarity with AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, or ChatGPT.
• Ability to work in an AI-first engineering environment using modern AI tools for hardware and software development.

Preferred:

• Experience designing complex compute, signal-processing, or distributed system architectures.
• Strong understanding of system architecture fundamentals, including compute, memory, interconnects, data movement, and hardware/software partitioning.
• Experience making architectural trade-offs involving performance, scalability, power consumption, and reliability.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware and software co-design initiatives.
• Experience with RF signal processing, instrumentation, or measurement systems;
• Familiarity with quantum control, quantum readout, or quantum error correction concepts.
• Experience with FPGA, ASIC, or custom accelerator technologies.
• Exposure to cryogenic or resource-constrained computing environments.
• Experience designing scalable architectures for emerging computing platforms.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale systems from concept through production.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range across most U.S. locations: $165,600 to $296,400 per year.
• Base salary range in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area: $220,800 to $331,200 per year.
• Eligible roles may receive additional compensation and employee benefits.
• Hybrid work schedule with three in-office days per week;
• Travel requirement of less than 25%.
• Opportunity to work on Microsoft's next-generation scalable quantum computing systems.

Other Information:

• Work Site: Hybrid (3 days per week in-office).
• Travel: Less than 25%.
• Profession: Quantum Computing.
• Discipline: Quantum Engineering.
• Role Type: Individual Contributor.
• Employment Type: Full-Time.
• The position focuses on scalable quantum control and readout systems at the quantum-classical interface, including compute platforms, communication fabrics, synchronization, and signal-processing frameworks;
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, with the posting remaining open for a minimum of five days.
• Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process.