Senior Quantum Materials MBE Engineer

Job Title

Senior Quantum Materials MBE Engineer

Role Summary

Develop and optimize molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth processes for semiconductor–superconductor heterostructures used in scalable quantum computing. Work in an interdisciplinary R&D team to improve materials quality, interfaces, and device performance through experimental execution, characterization, and process integration.

Experience Level

Senior. Experience guidance varies by credential: PhD with 1+ years industry/R&D, MS with 4+ years, BS with 6+ years, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include experimental materials growth, diagnostics, and cross-team integration:

• Develop, implement, and refine MBE growth recipes for semiconductor–superconductor heterostructures to control interfaces, composition, strain, and defects.
• Design and execute controlled, data-driven experiments linking growth conditions to structure, materials properties, and device outcomes; analyze results to guide process improvements.
• Operate, maintain, and support upgrades for UHV MBE systems and in-situ diagnostics (e.g., RHEED, spectroscopy).
• Collaborate with nanofabrication, characterization, theory, and device teams to integrate materials advances into fabrication flows and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Apply AI/ML and automation tools to experiment planning, analysis, and reporting to accelerate materials optimization.
• Document procedures, maintain data quality, and support reproducibility across growth campaigns.

Requirements

Concise list of must-have and preferred skills, excluding formal degree requirements (see Education Requirements).

• Must-have: Proven experience executing experiments, analyzing data, and improving materials/process quality in an R&D or industry setting.
• Must-have: Practical experience operating or supporting UHV thin-film growth tools and diagnostics, with strong tooling and process-control skills.
• Must-have: Ability to meet security and export-control screening requirements, including citizenship or residency verification where applicable.
• Must-have: Strong collaboration and communication skills for interdisciplinary teams.
• Must-have: Ability to leverage modern AI/ML tools for experiment planning, analysis, and automation.
• Nice-to-have: Hands-on experience specifically with MBE, semiconductor–superconductor hybrids or III–V systems; low-temperature device characterization; process integration into device fabrication.
• Nice-to-have: Proficiency with scientific programming and data analysis tools (e.g., Python) and experience improving reproducibility and interface control.

Education Requirements

Required/accepted qualifications include one of the following: Doctorate (PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with 1+ years industry or R&D experience (including postdoctoral positions); OR Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with 4+ years industry or R&D experience; OR Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with 6+ years industry or R&D experience; OR equivalent practical experience. Preferred qualifications note PhD (or MS) with relevant experience ranges. Documentation of degree or equivalent experience is expected where required for screening.

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.