Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum Hardware and Firmware Systems)

Responsibilities

• Drive Program Execution: Lead comprehensive program management for pivotal quantum hardware initiatives. Oversee all phases, including concept development, engineering design, prototyping, validation, operational scaling, and ongoing delivery. Collaborate closely with system architects, research scientists, and hardware engineers to ensure successful outcomes for each project.
• Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Work with program management leadership, engineering teams, and executive stakeholders to develop and maintain a clear roadmap for hardware platform advancement. Align technical milestones, allocate resources, manage schedules, and address risks to support Microsoft Quantum’s overarching long-term goals.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Facilitate collaboration and alignment among teams specializing in quantum device physics, cryoelectronics, materials science, hardware control, manufacturing, supply chain, integration, and cloud hardware operations. Ensure that integrated efforts result in reliable and scalable hardware solutions.
• Supplier & Partner Engagement: Manage relationships with external foundries, research laboratories, equipment vendors, and strategic partners. Foster cross-company collaboration, establish clear requirements, and ensure compliance with Microsoft’s standards for quality, safety, and data security.
• Risk Management: Identify, monitor, and mitigate technical, scheduling, and operational risks throughout program execution. Apply continuous improvement strategies and adjust programs in response to lessons learned and evolving technology trends.
• Agile Delivery: Oversee Agile program processes and ceremonies, promote transparency by conducting regular reviews and updates, and proactively remove obstacles to ensure timely achievement of critical deliverables.
• Customer Focus: Incorporate feedback from internal and pilot customers—including researchers, manufacturing partners, and Azure Quantum platform teams—to guide improvements in hardware and processes.
• Executive Communication: Develop concise, data-driven reports and executive updates that communicate program status, milestones, risks, dependencies, and impact, upholding Microsoft’s high standards for stakeholder engagement and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND 6+ years experience in quantum information, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, hardware systems, engineering, or related technical fields
• OR equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.
• Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation).
• Experience with hands-on firmware, low-level systems, or advanced hardware R&D, including BIOS, drivers, embedded systems, quantum device development, quantum error correction, measurement/control systems, or similar advanced hardware domains.
• Experience working with semiconductor, electronics, or advanced materials supply chains, contract manufacturers, R&D foundries, and leading external research partnerships with universities, government agencies, or consortia (e.g., DARPA, NIST, or top-tier academic labs) in advanced hardware or scientific domains.
• Experience operating in fast-paced, matrixed product development environments using program management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Azure DevOps, or similar) to support data-driven execution, issue and risk tracking, schedule management, executive-level reporting, and cross-functional communication.