Senior Quantum Materials UHV Hardware Engineer

Job Title

Senior Quantum Materials UHV Hardware Engineer

Role Summary

Work on Microsoft Quantum’s materials and device pipeline to design, build, operate, and evolve advanced ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) deposition and processing systems that enable semiconductor–superconductor devices for scalable quantum computing. This role partners with materials growth, nanofabrication, characterization, and device teams to translate experimental requirements into robust hardware platforms.

Position is fully on-site in West Lafayette, IN and requires regular travel to external facilities and national labs (approximately 25–50%).

Experience Level

Senior-level. Preferred experience includes a PhD plus several years in advanced characterization or quantum materials R&D; actual minimum experience depends on degree (see Education Requirements).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities focus on experimental characterization, hardware development, and cross-team technical leadership.

• Design, build, operate, and maintain advanced UHV deposition and processing systems for quantum materials and devices.
• Define and execute nanoscale characterization experiments using STM/STS, atom probe tomography (APT), TEM, and related methods.
• Extract atomic-scale and electronic-structure information relevant to interface quality, composition, defects, dopant distribution, and superconducting properties.
• Establish and own the structure→properties→device feedback loop, translating measurements into qubit-relevant metrics and actionable guidance for growth and integration.
• Lead experimental campaigns at national laboratories and shared user facilities; coordinate scheduling, measurement plans, and data delivery.
• Provide technical direction across materials, fabrication, and device teams to improve process integration and experimental throughput.
• Develop and scale pipelines for high-throughput data acquisition, analysis, and AI-enabled correlation of structure and device performance.

Requirements

Must-have technical and compliance requirements, plus preferred skills.

• Ability to meet Microsoft Cloud Background Check and export-control requirements; role requires verification of citizenship or protected status as needed for access to export-controlled information.
• Proven experience designing and executing complex nanoscale characterization experiments and interpreting structural/electronic datasets.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary teams and translating characterization results into materials or process recommendations.
• Experience developing data workflows and applying AI/ML tools for image/spectroscopy analysis, feature extraction, and cross-correlation of datasets.
• Willingness and ability to travel for multi-institution experimental programs and to lead campaigns at national labs (25–50% travel).
• Nice-to-have: deep hands-on expertise with STM/STS, atom probe tomography (APT), TEM; familiarity with MBE growth, nanofabrication, low-temperature transport measurements, ARPES/HAXPES.
• Nice-to-have: experience with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials, prior work at national labs or large-scale user facilities, and a track record of technical impact (publications, invited talks, or major programs led).

Education Requirements

Degree or equivalent experience required: Doctorate (PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or related field with 1+ years industry/R&D experience; or Master’s degree in these fields with 4+ years experience; or Bachelor’s degree in these fields with 6+ years experience; or equivalent practical experience. Preferred: PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or Materials Engineering with 3+ years in advanced characterization or quantum materials R&D.

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.