Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer

Job Title

Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer

Role Summary

Lead nanoscale materials characterization for quantum hardware R&D, focusing on atomic and electronic-scale measurements (STM/STS, APT, TEM) and translating results into actionable guidance for qubit devices and process integration. Work across Microsoft teams and external national laboratory facilities to define characterization strategy, run high-impact experiments, and close the materials→device feedback loop.

Position is fully on-site in West Lafayette, IN and involves collaboration with fabrication, materials, and device engineering teams and national user facilities.

Experience Level

Senior level. Experience guidance: typically equivalent to PhD + 3+ years in industry or R&D, or MS + 6+ years, or BS + 8+ years, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

Drive and execute advanced characterization campaigns and ensure findings affect device design and process integration.

• Design and perform atomic- and electronic-scale measurements using STM/STS, atom probe tomography (APT), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Extract and interpret atomic structure, composition, defect/dopant distributions, and electronic/superconducting states relevant to qubit performance.
• Establish and own the structure → properties → device feedback process, converting measurements into actionable recommendations for materials growth and fabrication.
• Lead multi-institution experimental campaigns at national labs and shared user facilities; coordinate scheduling, proposals, and data delivery.
• Provide technical leadership across materials, fabrication, and device teams; influence material selection and device architecture through characterization insights.
• Develop and scale data pipelines, apply AI/ML for image and spectroscopy analysis, feature extraction, and cross-correlation with device performance.
• Communicate results clearly across disciplines, prepare technical reports, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Travel to external facilities and labs (estimated 25–50%).

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security/eligibility requirements, and practical experience for immediate contribution.

• Proven experience designing and executing complex nanoscale characterization experiments and interpreting structural and electronic datasets.
• Deep practical knowledge of one or more methods: STM/STS, APT, or TEM; ability to extract device-relevant metrics from measurements.
• Experience correlating nanoscale structure with device or quantum performance, and translating findings into process or design changes.
• Experience collaborating with national labs, large-scale user facilities, or external scientific partners and leading multi-institution programs.
• Practical familiarity with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials or other quantum-relevant material systems is required.
• Proficiency applying AI/ML or data-analysis tools to accelerate image/spectroscopy analysis, defect classification, and data correlation.
• Track record of technical impact (publications, led experimental programs, invited talks) and ability to communicate across disciplines.
• Ability to meet Microsoft Cloud Background Check and any applicable export-control screening; role requires verification of citizenship or protected status where legally required.
• Willingness and ability to work fully on-site in West Lafayette, IN and to travel to external facilities as needed.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with MBE growth, nanofabrication, low-temperature transport measurements, ARPES/HAXPES, or similar spectroscopies.
• Demonstrated experience developing reusable data and knowledge frameworks across characterization methods.

Education Requirements

Doctorate (PhD) in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years' industry or R&D experience; OR Master’s degree in a related field with 6+ years' experience; OR Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 8+ years' experience; OR equivalent practical experience. (Fields explicitly referenced include Physics, Materials Science/Engineering, and related engineering disciplines.)

About the Company

Company: Microsoft

Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops and sells software, services, devices, and solutions. Known for its Windows operating system, Office suite, and Azure cloud platform, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations around the world to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, focusing on delivering trusted experiences to customers and partners globally.