Principal Electrical Engineer, Instrument Development
MicrosoftAbout the role
Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented and diverse international team to create the world’s first scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack approach involves exciting innovation from the physics of quantum devices through scalable readout and control systems based on cryo-electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing. This position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful influence on a revolutionary technology. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit https://quantum.microsoft.com/
The Quantum Systems team is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer, Instrument Development to lead the architecture, design, and deployment of special-purpose instrumentation that enables characterization, readout, and control of our quantum hardware. This technical leadership role spans mixed-signal electronics, low-noise and precision measurement, timing/clocking, high-speed data conversion, and system integration across lab and cryogenic environments.
In addition to instrument development, you will help define and maintain reference and validation platforms for critical parts of our stack—creating reusable testbeds, automation, and release criteria that de-risk new designs and accelerate iteration across teams.
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
Lead instrument development from concept through prototype and deployment, including requirements, architecture, schematic/layout oversight, bring-up, calibration, and characterization.
Architect and design precision, low-noise, and mixed-signal electronics for measurement and control, including signal integrity, grounding/shielding, and power integrity in demanding lab/cryo-adjacent environments.
Define timing/clocking and synchronization approaches across instruments and subsystems; own key electrical interfaces between instruments, cryo hardware, and control/readout stacks.
Drive robust validation of instruments (test plans, automated measurements, calibration workflows, and acceptance criteria), and use data to improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including quantum research, architecture, experimentalists, cryogenics, firmware/software, and test engineering to translate system needs into measurable electrical specifications and instrument roadmaps.
Define and maintain shared reference and validation platforms (bench/rack/PCB/interconnect) used to de-risk new designs, enable rapid bring-up, and provide repeatable regression coverage for critical slices of the stack.
Lead vendor engagement and manage build/buy decisions for instrument and validation hardware (e.g., chassis/backplanes, connectors/cabling, clocks, power modules, test fixtures), including qualification plans and acceptance criteria.
Other:
Qualifications
Required Qualifications /Minimum Qualifications
- Doctorate in Electrical Engineering or related field AND 3+ years experience
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