Quantum Hardware Engineer

Job Title

Quantum Hardware Engineer

Role Summary

Join the Microsoft Quantum Systems Integration team to assemble, characterize, and validate room-temperature and cryogenic hardware for a topological quantum computing system. The role combines hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and development of hardware and measurement code.

The position is an individual contributor role working closely with experimental physicists, engineers, and software teams to improve system performance and support integrated system testing.

Experience Level

Mid-level — significant industry or R&D experience is expected; equivalent practical experience or an advanced degree is acceptable.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include hands-on system integration, characterization, and instrumentation support.

• Troubleshoot and repair room-temperature and cryogenic systems, addressing instrumentation faults, environmental noise, and mechanical issues.
• Design, assemble, and debug hardware components to improve system performance.
• Characterize and qualify room-temperature and cryogenic hardware against system performance requirements.
• Develop and maintain measurement and instrumentation code and supporting infrastructure.
• Perform system performance measurements, analyze results, and document findings.
• Collaborate across teams to document and streamline measurement and analysis workflows.

Requirements

Summary of required and preferred technical skills. Degree information is listed under Education Requirements.

Must-have:

• Experience in hardware characterization and code bring-up for measurement systems.
• Development experience in a version-controlled environment (e.g., Git) and programming in a high-level language (e.g., Python).
• Familiarity with basic electrical engineering design principles and instrumentation.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for both lab and cryogenic environments and hands-on assembly experience.
• Ability to pass required security and export-control screenings.
• Clear communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to use modern AI tools to improve productivity and analysis workflows.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with low-noise electronic measurements, RF/microwave techniques, and cryogenic systems (e.g., He3 cryostats, dilution refrigerators).
• Experience with semiconductor or superconducting device characterization and RF reflectometry or dispersive sensing.
• Familiarity with cabling, connectors, attenuators, filters, and cryogenic RF components.
• Experience with PCB design and assembly, verification/validation workflows, and test tracking tools.
• Project management experience and documentation/report writing rigor.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field plus significant industry or R&D experience; OR a Master's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field; 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.