Principal Computer Aided Design Engineer

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

14h

About The Position

At Microsoft Quantum, we aim to empower science and scientists to solve the world's biggest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum information technology. For more information about our team, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum.
As a Principal Hardware Engineer, you will design, develop, modify and evaluate components used in analog electronic devices. You will define design approaches, technical specifications and parameters for devices and ensure that designs and specifications document test requirements that account for customer use scenarios. You will develop test plans and test cases and build-out professional-grade design infrastructure. This opportunity will allow you to grow as a systems engineer and gain experience working on fast-paced and interdisciplinary teams.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.
• Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
• Ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., design, layout, performance modeling and analysis, day-to-day task automation).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
• Experienced with analog and high-performance circuit design and layout.
• Experienced in construction and maintenance of process design kits.

Responsibilities

• Leverage industry standard electronic design automation, electromagnetic simulation toolsets, and physical verificaton flows.
• Develop, maintain, and refine process‑design‑kit (PDK) requirements for superconducting circuit technologies, ensuring accurate device models, parameter extraction, and design‑rule coverage.
• Collaborate with device, packaging, and quantum‑hardware design teams to codesign for noise performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Lead the design and layout of superconducting cryogenic control and readout circuits operating at millikelvin temperatures for scalable quantum computing systems.
• Establish and own physical‑design, layout, and verification workflows, including design-rule checks (DRC), electrical-rule check (ERC), and layout-versus-schematic (LVS) tailored for superconducting circuit processes.
• Partner with foundry and research teams to shape superconducting device models, fabrication rules, and design‑rule evolution to support high‑fidelity operation at cryogenic temperatures.
• Embody our Culture and Values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level