Quantum Characterization Engineer

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Quantum Characterization Engineer. Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

Responsibilities:

• Perform advanced measurement and characterization techniques to improve quantum materials, devices, and quantum computing systems.
• Develop, optimize, and execute structural and electrical characterization of quantum materials and devices.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate quantum measurement processes.
• Develop hypotheses and design experiments based on technical objectives and prior results;
• Analyze experimental results and modify future experiments accordingly.
• Collaborate with experts in device physics, modeling, fabrication, and characterization.
• Apply technical knowledge from multiple disciplines to solve complex quantum engineering challenges.
• Leverage AI tools to improve performance modeling, data analysis, research, and day-to-day task automation.
• Design and build AI agents or copilots to assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and technical knowledge retrieval.
• Work in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary R&D environment focused on improving qubit performance and scalability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years of industry or R&D experience; or
• Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 4+ years of industry or R&D experience; or
• Doctorate in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with 1+ years of industry or R&D experience; or
• Equivalent experience;
• Ability to meet Microsoft's required security screening requirements.
• Ability to meet applicable export-control requirements and provide required citizenship or residency documentation.
• Ability to use AI tools to improve engineering workflows, analysis, and productivity.
• Ability to design and build AI agents or copilots for experimental and technical workflows.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 8+ years of industry or R&D experience; or
• Master's degree in a relevant field with 6+ years of industry or R&D experience; or
• Doctorate in a relevant field with 3+ years of industry or R&D experience; or
• Equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience with structural characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and optical imaging.
• 3+ years of experience with electrical characterization techniques, including Hall effect and capacitance-voltage measurements.
• Experience with superconductor-semiconductor hybrid materials or III/V semiconductors.
• Experience operating cryostats for low-temperature electrical characterization.
• Proficiency with scientific programming and data analysis tools, particularly Python.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Typical U.S. base salary range: $119,800-$234,700 per year.
• San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area range: $160,200-$261,000 per year.
• Certain roles may also qualify for additional benefits and compensation.
• Microsoft provides information about its broader employee benefits and compensation programs through its careers resources.

Other Information:

• Travel: 25-50%
• Profession: Quantum Computing
• Discipline: Quantum Engineering
• Role Type: Individual Contributor
• Position Level: IC4
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Company: Microsoft
• The position will remain open for a minimum of five days and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
• The role requires Microsoft Cloud Background Check screening upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter;
• The position involves access to potentially export-controlled information under regulations including ITAR and EAR.
• Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive workplace.