Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer

About the role

At Microsoft Quantum, we aim to empower science and scientists to solve the world’s biggest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum is building the world’s first scalable quantum computing system with a full-stack approach spanning materials, devices, systems, and cloud services. Our hardware strategy centers on topological qubits, requiring sophisticated nanofabrication of hybrid semiconductor–superconductor devices with stringent control of interfaces, materials quality, and process integration.

We are seeking a Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer to lead and execute state-of-the-art nanoscale characterization of quantum materials and heterostructures. This role is central to establishing a deep physical understanding of materials at the atomic and electronic scale and translating that understanding into actionable insights that directly impact qubit performance, device design, and process integration. You will operate across internal teams and external national laboratory facilities, defining characterization strategy, executing high-impact experiments, and driving materials → device feedback at the frontier of quantum hardware R&D.

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

• Advanced Nanoscale Characterization: Define and execute advanced characterization experiments using:
  • Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS)
  • Atom probe tomography (APT)
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
• Extract atomic-scale and electronic structure information relevant to:
  • Interface quality and disorder
  • Composition, defects, and dopant distribution
  • Electronic states and superconducting properties
• Materials–Device Feedback & Insight Generation: Establish and own the structure → properties → device feedback loop, linking nanoscale measurements to qubit-relevant metrics.
• National Lab Collaboration & Experiment Leadership: Lead experimental campaigns at U.S. national laboratories and user facilities (e.g., DOE labs, shared instrumentation centers).
• Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Impact: Provide characterization-driven technical direction across materials, fabrication, and device teams.
• Tooling, Data & AI-Enabled Analysis: Develop and scale pipelines for high-throughput data acquisition, analysis, and correlation.
• Embody Microsoft’s culture and values.

Requirements

This position requires verification of citizenship or other protected status to meet legal requirements of the role. If the role requires US citizenship, a valid US passport must be provided to verify citizenship. If the role requires US Person status, US citizens must provide a valid US passport, while lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may use green cards or other status documents.

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including:
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check (required upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter)
  • Citizenship verification for access to export-controlled information (e.g., ITAR, EAR, EU Dual Use Regulation)
• Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling, research gathering, task automation).
• Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or R&D OR
  • Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or R&D OR
  • Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or R&D OR equivalent experience.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years of experience in advanced characterization or quantum materials R&D OR equivalent experience.
  • Deep expertise in one or more of:
    • STM/STS
    • Atom probe tomography (APT)
    • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
  • Experience:
    • Designing and executing complex characterization experiments
    • Interpreting nanoscale structural and electronic data
    • Working across multidisciplinary teams
    • Interpreting complex datasets to identify root causes of performance limitations
    • Translating characterization results into actionable guidance for materials growth, fabrication, and integration
  • Experience with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials or quantum-relevant systems.
  • Develop and maintain strategic collaborations with external experts and facility scientists.
  • Plan and execute multi-institution experimental programs, including proposal definition, scheduling, and data delivery.
  • Identify key knowledge gaps and define measurement strategies to de-risk program milestones.
  • Communicate insights clearly across disciplines, influencing materials selection, process integration, and device architecture.
  • Apply AI/ML tools to accelerate:
    • Image and spectroscopy analysis
    • Feature extraction and defect classification
    • Cross-correlation of structure and device performance
  • Build reusable data and knowledge frameworks across characterization methods.
  • Experience working with national labs or large-scale user facilities.
  • Background in correlating nanoscale structure with device or quantum performance.
  • Familiarity with MBE growth, nanofabrication, or low-temperature transport measurements.
  • Track record of technical impact (publications, invited talks, or major experimental programs led).
  • Familiarity with advanced spectroscopic techniques (e.g., ARPES, HAXPES).

Pay

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. For specific work locations within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Additional pay information can be found at Microsoft Careers Pay Information.