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Principal Quantum Systems Architect

Microsoft

Job Location:

Redmond, WA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 165600 - 296400

Posted: 6 October 2026 (14 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 3 January 2027

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Overview

Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented and diverse international team to create the worlds first scalable quantum computing system. Our fullstack approach involves exciting innovation from the physics of quantum devices through scalable readout and control systems based on cryoelectronics. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve some of humankinds 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 are seeking aPrincipal Quantum Systems Architect (Control & Readout) to define the architecture of scalable classical control and readout systems for large-scale quantum computing. This role focuses on system design at the quantum-classical interface including compute platforms communication fabrics synchronization and signal-processing is a strategic technical leadership role shaping long-term architecture while guiding validation and integration across the stack.

Microsofts 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

Define the system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout across room-temperature and cryogenic domains
Drive architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms supporting control measurement and feedback workloads
Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across hardware firmware software and quantum systems
Define communication synchronization and dataflow architectures enabling deterministic low-latency operation at scale
Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward scalable production-ready quantum systems
Other:
- Embody ourCultureand Values

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Doctorate in Physics Engineering or related field AND 6 years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- Masters Degree in Physics Engineering or related field AND 10 years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Bachelors Degree in Physics Engineering or related field AND 12 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 candidates citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents refugees and asylees may verify status using other documents where applicable.
Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office CoPilot GitHub CoPilot or Chat GPT.
Ability to work in an AI-first environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven experience designing complex compute or signal-processing architectures (e.g. SoCs distributed systems accelerators networking fabrics)
Proficient understanding of system architecture fundamentals (compute memory interconnects data movement HW/SW partitioning)
Experience driving architectural trade-offs across performance scalability power and reliability
Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware/software co-design initiatives
Experience with RF signal processing instrumentation or measurement systems
Familiarity with quantum control readout or error correction concepts
Experience with FPGA ASIC or custom accelerator technologies
Exposure to cryogenic or constrained computing environments
Experience defining scalable architectures for emerging compute platforms
Track record of architecturally guiding the delivery of large-scale systems from concept through production

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers

Quantum Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165600 - $296400 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 $220800 - $331200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
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.

Required Experience:

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