Senior Quantum Software Engineer

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

This role focuses on building developer tools for quantum computing, including languages, compilers, simulators, and VS Code integrations. A key aspect is exploring and integrating AI capabilities into these quantum development workflows, aiming to accelerate research and development. The role involves significant software engineering in Rust, Python, and TypeScript, with a focus on open-source contributions and collaboration with quantum experts.

What you'd actually do

  1. Designing and delivering fast, reliable, and secure components in Rust, Python, and TypeScript that form the backbone of our quantum developer experience
  2. Building language and compiler features for Q#, OpenQASM, QIR, and related technologies that push the boundaries of what programs quantum developers can express.
  3. Creating intuitive, high-impact VS Code integrations that help scientists and engineers work productively with complex quantum systems.
  4. Exploring new ways to integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities into quantum development workflows.
  5. Collaborating closely with experts in quantum chemistry, error correction, control systems, and hardware to design end-to-end solutions that connect research and product.

Skills

Required

  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in industry or in a research and development environment, could include completion of a post doctoral research position OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR 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 hardware development
  • Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation)

Nice to have

  • Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 8+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience
  • 3+ years experience working with languages, compilers, simulators, code editors, or AI integration
  • Experience developing in Rust, Python, or web technologies (HTML & CSS)

What the JD emphasized

  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.
  • 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.