Principal Quantum Measurement Engineer

Job Title

Principal Quantum Measurement Engineer

Role Summary

Lead measurement strategy for quantum materials and device platforms within Microsoft Quantum, focusing on cryogenic electrical characterization and development of novel measurement techniques to advance topological qubit systems.

This is a fully on-site individual contributor role based in West Lafayette, IN, working across materials, fabrication, theory, and device design teams to improve qubit performance and system scalability.

Experience Level

Senior / Principal. The role expects substantial technical leadership; see Education Requirements for the degree-plus-experience combinations used for qualification guidance.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include experimental planning, execution, analysis, and cross-functional technical leadership.

• Define and lead cryogenic electrical characterization of quantum materials and devices at millikelvin temperatures and high magnetic fields.
• Develop and deploy novel measurement techniques and protocols for topological qubit systems.
• Plan and execute large-scale experimental campaigns, including data acquisition, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Translate experimental data into actionable guidance for materials selection, fabrication, and device design.
• Provide technical leadership for pathfinding devices and next-generation quantum architectures.
• Partner across materials science, nanofabrication, theory, and device design teams to accelerate progress.
• Communicate complex experimental results to cross-functional teams and leadership.
• Contribute to building a high-performing measurement organization and mentor junior engineers and scientists.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, operational constraints, and other requirements. Education and degree/experience combinations are summarized separately under Education Requirements.

• Extensive experience with cryogenic electrical measurements and experiments at millikelvin temperatures and high magnetic fields.
• Proven experience with data acquisition and analysis tools (examples: Python, MATLAB) and statistical analysis of experimental data.
• Experience with RF measurement and time-domain control techniques.
• Ability to design, run, and scale large experimental campaigns and improve experiment throughput and reproducibility.
• Demonstrated ability to translate experimental results into engineering or physics insights and drive technical direction.
• Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication skills; ability to present results to leadership.
• Ability to leverage AI and automation tools to improve experiment throughput, analysis, and reproducibility.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25–50% as required by role.
• Ability to meet Microsoft security and export-control screening requirements, including citizenship or permanent residency verification where required.

Nice-to-have

• Experience with topological, spin, or superconducting qubits and quantum characterization, verification, and validation (QCVV).
• Track record of leading multi-qubit or system-level experiments, applying AI/ML or automation to experimental workflows, and delivering publications or patents.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and building measurement organizations.

Education Requirements

Required: one of the following degree-and-experience combinations or equivalent experience: Doctorate (PhD) in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years industry or R&D experience; OR Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years industry or R&D experience; OR Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years industry or R&D experience; OR equivalent practical experience. Preferred: Doctorate in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Fields referenced: Physics, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical 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.