Senior Quantum Engineer - Readout

Job Title

Senior Quantum Engineer - Readout

Role Summary

Design and validate scalable readout systems for topological quantum qubits, working across hardware, control, and research teams. Contribute at component, subsystem and system levels to enable measurement-based quantum computing.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Microsoft lists multiple acceptable experience pathways (see Education Requirements); preferred candidates have several years of industry experience beyond minimum degree thresholds.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and test scalable readout circuitry for topological qubits at component, subsystem and system levels.
• Codesign readout interfaces with qubit and control teams and integrate across disciplines.
• Record, analyze and present measurement results; communicate findings to internal stakeholders and external audiences as needed.
• Develop tools, processes and engineering practices to accelerate experimental hardware development and reproducible measurement workflows.
• Maintain and follow safety protocols; escalate safety and compliance issues appropriately.

Requirements

Must-have requirements and conditions of hire:

• Proven experience with quantum measurement or readout system development (design, testing, or experiment execution) — demonstrated in industry or research settings.
• Practical skills in experiment setup, data analysis, and clear technical documentation and presentation.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and coordinate across hardware and control teams.
• Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check and satisfy export-control eligibility (citizenship, U.S. permanent residency or other protected status) as required for access to controlled information.
• Ability to leverage modern AI tools for measurement, modeling, analysis and automation in an "AI-first" environment.
• Willingness to work on-site according to team schedule (role lists 3 days per week in-office) and travel up to ~25% if needed.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with semiconductor spin devices or other solid-state qubits.
• Experience with cryogenic microwave experiments and low-noise amplifiers.
• Familiarity with RF readout techniques for solid-state qubits (e.g., RF-SETs, dispersive readout).

Education Requirements

Microsoft lists multiple acceptable education/experience pathways: Doctorate in Physics, Engineering or related field (minimum 1+ year industry/research); OR Master’s in Physics, Engineering or related field (minimum 4+ years); OR Bachelor’s in Physics, Engineering or related field (minimum 6+ years); OR equivalent practical experience. Preferred experience levels are higher (Doctorate +3 years, Master’s +6 years, Bachelor’s +8 years). Fields referenced include Physics and Engineering; equivalent experience is explicitly accepted.

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.