Principal Quantum Engineer

Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented, diverse international team to build the world’s first scalable quantum computing system. Our full‑stack approach spans innovation from the physics of the quantum plane to the delivery of global quantum services. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to fundamentally transform computing to help solve some of humanity’s most intractable problems as we enter an accelerated era of quantum advancement. 

We are seeking talented, focused individuals to help deliver useful quantum computers. Microsoft is pursuing topological qubits for large‑scale quantum computing and partnering with a growing ecosystem of companies to advance quantum systems across every layer of the stack and bring them to market through the Microsoft Quantum accelerator platform. We believe AI can speed up the development of useful quantum computers and shorten the path to their realization. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit https://quantum.microsoft.com/ 

As a Principal Quantum Engineer, you will guide process integration decisions and fabrication flows via theoretical insights and atomistic simulations. You’ll work closely with other experts in atomistic simulations and with fabrication, growth, characterization, and device engineering teams in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape revolutionary technology and accelerate progress toward scalable quantum computing based on topological qubits. As a Principal Quantum Engineer, you will operate at a technical leadership level, guiding development of simulation pipelines and driving decisions. This role expands beyond individual contribution to include technical direction-setting and cross-organization influence.

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.   

• Simulation Strategy: Own the simulation roadmap (DFT/MD), for crystalline and amorphous materials, defects, and interfaces.   

• Validation & Optimization: Build models and propose experiments for validation, benchmarking and optimization. 

• Experiment Alignment: Partner with growth/fab/characterization/device teams to close gaps between theory and data and translate results into process windows and material choices. 

• Tooling & Scale: Architect scalable workflows, libraries, and data standards for reliable, high-throughput studies on HPC. 

• Decision Making: Communicate clear recommendations, trade-offs, and risks to engineering and leadership. 

• Other:  

• • Embody our culture and values