Overview
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 builds the software that enables real quantum computers to operate. As a Software Development Engineer II, you will develop tooling, applications, and systems software that support the configuration, calibration, monitoring, and operation of topological qubit quantum computers. Your work will directly interface with cutting‑edge hardware, experimental platforms, and the engineers and physicists pushing the limits of quantum technology.
This role is for an engineer who enjoys working across abstraction layers, values software design and testing, and is excited to build software that controls one of the most advanced machines ever created.
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
- Design, implement, and maintain software tools and applications that support configuration, control, and operation of quantum hardware systems.
- Develop high‑quality, well‑factored software in Python and system languages such as C, C++, C#, or Rust.
- Build and maintain user‑facing applications and tooling using Qt to enable efficient workflows for quantum hardware development and operations.
- Apply solid software engineering fundamentals, including object‑oriented design, modular architectures, and maintainable codebases.
- Write robust unit, integration, and system tests to ensure correctness and reliability of critical tooling.
- Collaborate closely with physicists, hardware engineers, and other software teams to translate complex system requirements into practical software solutions.
- Debug and resolve issues across software, system, and hardware boundaries in a fast‑moving Research & Development (R&D) environment.
- Contribute to code reviews, design discussions, and continuous improvement of engineering practices.
Other:
- Embody our Culture and Values
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 2+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR equivalent experience.
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.
Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day‑to‑day task automation)
Ability to work in an “AI‑first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficient understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including object‑oriented design, proper software factoring, and maintainable system design.
- Experience designing and writing automated tests and debugging non‑trivial software systems.
- Familiarity with Git and modern development workflows.
- Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience developing desktop or system tooling using Qt.
- Experience working on hardware‑adjacent software, instrumentation control, or systems that interact with physical devices.
- Familiarity with scientific or experimental software environments.
- Exposure to performance‑sensitive systems or long‑running services.
- Interest in quantum computing, advanced hardware systems, or large‑scale experimental platforms.
- 2+ years programming experience in Python and at least one system programming language (e.g., C, C++, C#, Rust).
- 1+ year(s) experience working in a collaborative, team‑based software development environment.
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Quantum Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 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 $131,400 - $215,400 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.**