Principal Quantum Materials Nanofabrication Engineer
MicrosoftJob Title
Principal Quantum Materials Nanofabrication Engineer
Role Summary
Hands-on principal engineer responsible for developing and executing nanofabrication processes for hybrid semiconductor–superconductor quantum devices in Microsoft Quantum's West Lafayette cleanroom. Works closely with materials growth, device physics, and characterization teams to translate experimental requirements into reproducible fabrication workflows.
Role is fully on-site in West Lafayette, IN. Travel expected 25–50%.
Experience Level
Senior / Principal level. Experience expectations vary by degree or equivalent experience (see Education Requirements).
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include process development, device fabrication support, documentation, tool stewardship, and using AI to accelerate workflows.
- Develop, execute, and optimize semiconductor and hybrid device fabrication processes from wafer preparation through final device definition.
- Fabricate devices for materials and device characterization; design experiments, iterate process flows, and improve yield and reproducibility.
- Rigorously document fabrication processes, protocols, and results to enable reproducibility and transfer to manufacturing.
- Assist with maintenance and qualification of cleanroom tools; train and mentor junior personnel on equipment operation and safety practices.
- Use modern AI tools to improve process development, data analysis, experiment setup, and technical documentation.
- Collaborate closely with materials growth, measurement, and device physics teams to translate experimental requirements into fabrication solutions.
Requirements
Essential requirements and conditions for the role.
- Must meet Microsoft and export-control related security screening requirements, including the Microsoft Cloud Background Check and citizenship/eligibility verification for access to export‑controlled information.
- Ability to work full-time on-site in West Lafayette, IN and travel approximately 25–50% as required.
- Proficiency leveraging modern AI tools to accelerate engineering tasks, data analysis, and documentation.
- Strong process discipline: rigorous experimental design, documentation, and reproducibility.
- Preferred (nice-to-have): hands-on cleanroom experience with electron-beam lithography, atomic layer deposition (ALD), thin-film metal deposition, gate dielectric deposition/characterization, ion milling/etching, and developing semiconductor or hybrid device process flows.
- Preferred: experience optimizing thin-film gate dielectrics and safely operating complex equipment and industrial chemicals in a cleanroom environment.
- Preferred: demonstrated ability to operate independently in a cleanroom and to mentor junior staff; strong written and oral communication skills.
Education Requirements
Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field with 3+ years of industry or R&D experience; OR Master’s in Physics, Engineering, or related field with 6+ years; OR Bachelor’s in Physics, Engineering, or related field with 8+ years; OR equivalent practical experience.
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.
