Senior Quantum Materials UHV Hardware Engineer
MicrosoftJob Title
Senior Quantum Materials UHV Hardware Engineer
Role Summary
Design, build, commission, and evolve ultra-high vacuum (UHV) deposition and processing systems that enable quantum materials research and device fabrication. Work within Microsoft Quantum with materials growth, nanofabrication, characterization, and device teams to translate experimental needs into reliable hardware platforms.
This is an engineering role focused on experimental hardware for advanced materials and quantum-relevant experiments; decisions directly affect materials quality, throughput, and scalability.
Experience Level
Senior-level. Title indicates a senior role; qualifications map to advanced experience (PhD+1 year, MS+4 years, BS+6 years, or equivalent).
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include designing, building, and maintaining UHV hardware platforms and enabling experiments across disciplines.
- Design, build, and commission custom UHV chambers and deposition systems targeting base pressures near 10⁻¹¹ Torr; specify pumps, gauges, manipulators, motion systems, heaters, cryogenic components, and in‑vacuum diagnostics.
- Design and implement variable-temperature stages and subsystems spanning ~1000 °C to cryogenic (liquid helium) temperatures; ensure thermal stability and reproducibility for sensitive materials.
- Adapt and evolve hardware platforms to meet changing materials growth, deposition, and characterization requirements; support commissioning and troubleshooting.
- Lead cross-functional technical collaboration with materials, fabrication, measurement, theory, and software teams to align hardware capabilities with program needs.
- Leverage AI tools for system monitoring, log analysis, documentation, failure diagnosis, and experiment setup automation.
- Document hardware designs and communicate complex engineering decisions clearly to experimental teams and stakeholders.
Requirements
Key eligibility criteria, baseline conditions, and preferred technical skills.
- Must-have: Ability to meet Microsoft Cloud Background Check and export-control related citizenship/verification requirements; role requires on-site presence in West Lafayette, IN and significant travel (25–50%).
- Must-have: Practical experience working in industry or R&D environments as required by the Education Requirements (see below).
- Nice-to-have / Preferred: Hands-on experience with UHV systems, materials deposition tools (MBE, evaporation, sputtering), cryogenic hardware, thermal design, and vibration‑sensitive systems.
- Nice-to-have / Preferred: Proficiency with 3D CAD and visualization tools (e.g., SolidWorks) and experience with machining or metal fabrication.
- Nice-to-have / Preferred: Track record building or upgrading UHV systems for advanced materials or quantum experiments and experience supporting materials growth platforms or closely coupled UHV processing tools.
Education Requirements
Required: one of the following or equivalent experience — Doctorate (PhD) in Physics, Engineering, or a related field plus 1+ year industry/R&D experience; OR Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field plus 4+ years industry/R&D experience; OR Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field plus 6+ years industry/R&D experience; OR equivalent practical experience. Preferred items mention degrees in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and a PhD with hands-on experimental hardware 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.
