Senior Quantum Engineer - System Characterization

Microsoft Microsoft · Big Tech · Redmond, WA +1 · Quantum Engineering

This role focuses on characterizing and validating cryogenic control hardware for quantum computing systems, bridging cryogenic electronics and quantum device measurements. While the role mentions using AI tools and building AI agents/copilots to assist with tasks, the core function is in quantum engineering and system characterization, not directly shipping AI models or core AI systems.

What you'd actually do

  1. Characterize the performance of integrated cryogenic ASIC‑based control systems interfacing with quantum devices.
  2. Design, execute, and analyze measurement campaigns to evaluate cryogenic control hardware and system behavior.
  3. Develop and refine measurement techniques to assess device‑level and system‑level performance.
  4. Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary partners—including ASIC designers, electrical engineers, qubit measurement engineers, and theorists—to inform and optimize system design.
  5. Analyze, document, and communicate characterization results, limitations, and findings to hardware and system development teams.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment.
  • Master’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment.
  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 1+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment.
  • equivalent experience.
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements.
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check
  • Citizenship & Citizenship Verification
  • Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
  • Ability to design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals, design docs).

Nice to have

  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field.
  • Low‑noise electronic measurements (e.g., lock‑in amplifiers, analog preamps).
  • Cryogenic techniques (e.g., Helium 3 cryostats or dilution refrigerators).
  • Electrical transport characterization (semiconductors, dielectrics, superconductors).
  • Radio frequency (RF) or microwave measurement techniques.
  • Data acquisition and programming in a high‑level language (e.g., Python).
  • Quantum measurement of semiconductor qubit or quantum dot devices.
  • Analog electronic circuit design.
  • Technical report writing and documentation.
  • Cross‑team collaboration and/or mentoring.

What the JD emphasized

  • Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
  • Ability to design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals, design docs).