Senior Quantum Characterization Engineer

Job Title

Senior Quantum Characterization Engineer

Role Summary

Join Microsoft Quantum to develop, optimize, and execute structural and electrical characterizations of quantum materials and devices that directly impact qubit performance and scalability. Work on nanofabricated semiconductor–superconductor devices in a cross-functional R&D team spanning device physics, fabrication, modeling, and characterization.

Experience Level

Senior — senior individual contributor. See Education Requirements for degree-and-years equivalence that determine minimum experience.

Responsibilities

Execute rigorous experiments, improve measurement throughput, and share results with multidisciplinary teams.

• Design, run, and iterate experiments to characterize quantum materials and devices.
• Perform structural and electrical measurement techniques to evaluate materials and device performance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate measurements and data workflows.
• Analyze data, generate reports, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for fabrication and device design.
• Collaborate with device physics, modeling, and fabrication teams to refine experiments and protocols.
• Contribute to laboratory best practices, documentation, and reproducible measurement procedures.

Requirements

Key technical skills, security, and work conditions required for the role.

• Proven experience with structural and electrical characterization of semiconductor devices and quantum materials.
• Hands-on experience with measurement equipment and test setups; ability to develop and validate measurement protocols.
• Experience with low-temperature electrical characterization and operation of cryostats (preferred).
• Experience with superconductor–semiconductor hybrid materials or III–V semiconductors (preferred).
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis tools (for example, Python) and ability to automate data workflows.
• Ability to leverage AI tools to increase experimental efficiency and to design AI agents/copilots for experiment setup, log triage, and report generation.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25–50% as required.
• Must be able to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check and meet citizenship/verification requirements for access to export-controlled information.

Education Requirements

One of the following (or equivalent practical experience): Bachelor's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field AND 6+ years of industry or R&D experience; OR Master’s degree in those fields AND 4+ years’ experience; OR PhD in those fields AND 1+ year’s experience; OR equivalent experience. Candidates must be able to provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency as required for export-controlled access.

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.