Senior Quantum Architect

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Quantum Architect. Location: Redmond, WA, USA / Reston, VA, USA

Responsibilities:

• Define system architecture for scalable quantum computing platforms across quantum and classical domains.
• Drive architectural direction across quantum hardware, firmware, software, cloud services, and system integration.
• Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across the full technology stack.
• Define interfaces, dataflows, and integration frameworks for reliable and scalable quantum systems.
• Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward production-ready quantum systems;
• Develop and analyze end-to-end quantum computer architectures, from qubits and quantum error correction through control, readout, and system design.
• Work on system modeling and hardware pathfinding for critical components and system integration.
• Evaluate quantum technologies including solid-state and atomic, molecular, or optical qubits.
• Contribute to the control and readout of quantum technologies and systems technology involving environments, fields, and interconnects.
• Work closely with software, quantum information theory, systems engineering, design, measurement, and fabrication teams.
• Help establish system boundaries and interfaces, align platform roadmaps, and develop validation and integration strategies.
• Explore new approaches that can validate architectures, reduce technical risk, or accelerate development.
• Work in an AI-first environment using modern AI tools to support hardware and software development.
• Embody Microsoft's culture and values.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or a related field plus 1+ year of software industry experience, including commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems.
• OR Master's degree in one of the above fields plus 3+ years of relevant software industry experience;
• OR Bachelor's degree in one of the above fields plus 4+ years of relevant software industry experience.
• Equivalent experience may also qualify.
• 4+ years of programming experience in related programming languages.
• 4+ years of experience working in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements.
• Ability to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Ability to satisfy applicable export-control eligibility requirements for access to controlled information.
• Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office Copilot, GitHub Copilot, or ChatGPT.
• Ability to work in an AI-first environment using modern AI tools.

Preferred:

• Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or a related field plus 3+ years of industry or research and development experience, which may include postdoctoral research.
• OR Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field plus 6+ years of industry or research and development experience.
• OR Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field plus 8+ years of industry or research and development experience.
• Equivalent experience may also qualify.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Quantum Software Engineering IC4 base pay range across the U.S.: $119,800 to $234,700 per year.
• IC4 base pay range in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area: $160,200 to $261,000 per year.
• Quantum Software Engineering IC5 base pay range across the U.S.: $142,800 to $274,800 per year;
• IC5 base pay range in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area: $188,000 to $304,200 per year.
• Certain roles may also be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.
• Benefits and pay information is available through Microsoft's corporate pay information page.

Other Information:

• Work arrangement: 3 days per week in-office.
• Travel: Less than 25%.
• Profession: Quantum Computing.
• Discipline: Quantum Software Engineering.
• Role type: Individual Contributor.
• Position levels: IC4/IC5.
• Job number: 200043251;
• Date posted: September 8, 2026.
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled, with the position open for a minimum of 5 days.
• Export-controlled information may be subject to U.S. ITAR, EAR, EU Dual Use, and other applicable regulations.