The quantum hardware systems architecture and pathfinding team leads hardware systems architecture for Microsoft Quantum, having accountability for system architecture and roadmaps, and explores how new approaches can validate, buy down risk, or accelerate that architecture. We are seeking candidates with a wide range of relevant skills, both classical and quantum. Quantum architects help establish system boundaries and interfaces, guide cross-stack trade-offs, and align platform roadmaps, validation strategies, and integration plans. This role has broad influence over the evolution of production-ready quantum systems.
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
Define the system architecture for scalable quantum computing platforms across quantum and classical domains
Drive architectural direction across 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 enabling reliable, scalable operation
Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward production-ready quantum systems
Demonstrated excellence in relevant skillsets relevant to quantum computer architecture and validation, including, quantum plane technologies (solid-state or atomic, molecular, or optical qubits); control/readout of quantum technologies; systems technology (environment and fields; interconnects)
System modeling and/or hardware pathfinding
Other
Embody our Culture and Values
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 1+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years 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 4+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems.
OR equivalent experience.
4+ years programming experience in related programming languages.
4+ years experience in a collaborative environment.
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.
Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office CoPilot, GitHub CoPilot, or Chat GPT.
Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment, which may include completion of a postdoctoral research position
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.
#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 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
Quantum Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 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 - $304,200 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.
