Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum)

Job Title

Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum)

Role Summary

Lead and coordinate end-to-end hardware development programs for Microsoft’s first-party quantum hardware stack, driving research-to-production transitions across internal teams and external partners. The role focuses on system integration, supplier management, quality and yield improvements, and applying automation and AI to accelerate hardware development.

Hybrid role based in Denmark with a 3 days/week in-office expectation; frequent cross-discipline collaboration and partner coordination required.

Experience Level

Senior (Principal). Typically 7+ years of relevant experience in hardware development, technical program management, or related deep-tech domains.

Responsibilities

Manage and deliver complex, multi-stakeholder hardware programs across research, engineering, and manufacturing.

• Lead program execution: define milestones, manage dependencies, mitigate technical and program risks, and drive predictable delivery.
• Define strategy and roadmaps to transition technologies from R&D to production-ready systems.
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary teams (physicists, device/process engineers, systems engineers, design teams) and align stakeholders and leadership.
• Manage external suppliers and fabrication partners, defining requirements, schedules, and quality expectations.
• Identify and implement AI/automation opportunities to accelerate development workflows and improve decision-making.
• Drive data-informed quality, yield, and reliability improvements using root-cause analysis and statistical methods.

Requirements

Key technical and program management qualifications and constraints.

• Proven track record driving complex, cross-functional hardware programs with multiple stakeholders and dependencies.
• Technical depth in advanced hardware or experimental systems (e.g., device development, semiconductor manufacturing, measurement and control systems, cryoelectronics, photonics, or similar).
• Experience managing external fabrication, R&D foundries, contract manufacturers, or advanced manufacturing partners.
• Experience improving hardware quality, yield, and reliability using data-driven approaches (root cause analysis, SPC, yield optimization).
• Experience applying data, automation, or AI to improve engineering or program execution.
• Program management fundamentals in matrixed environments: planning, dependency management, risk tracking, and executive communication.
• Ability to meet Microsoft and export-control security requirements, including background checks and citizenship/ residency verification as required.
• Willingness to travel (approximately 25–50%).

Preferred:

• Experience with technology transfer, new product introduction (NPI), and production readiness.
• Proven delivery of multi-year, first-of-a-kind hardware programs in deep-tech domains (quantum systems, ASICs, advanced packaging, etc.).

Education Requirements

Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or a related technical field is listed as the preferred credential; alternatively a Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with significant relevant experience in hardware development, program management, or quantum/semiconductor domains is acceptable according to the posting.

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.