Principal Electrical Engineer - Planning & Coordination

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

7d • $142,800 - $304,200

About The Position

Microsoft’s Quantum Hardware organization is developing breakthrough computing systems at the intersection of advanced physics, high‑performance electronics, and world‑class engineering. We are seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer - Engineering Planning Coordinator with a proficient electrical engineering background to lead complex PCB supplier engagements, drive process development, coordinate multidisciplinary hardware teams, and oversee program schedules, budgets, and resource planning. 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, and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in fast‑paced environments, excels at cross‑functional execution, and brings clarity and structure to highly technical programs. You will partner with electrical engineers, supply chain, fabrication partners, system integrators, and leadership teams to deliver high‑quality hardware on aggressive timelines. 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

• Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment 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 screening
• 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 (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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.

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR equivalent experience.
• Ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., measurement, performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day-to-day task automation).
• Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.
• 12+ years of experience in engineering program management, hardware development, technical leadership, or a related field, with a track record of delivering complex cross-functional programs from concept to production.
• Experience working directly with PCBs and/or superconducting integrated circuit design teams, fabrication vendors, electronics manufacturing services and contract manufacturers (EMS/CMs), and external suppliers.
• Proven understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals, including PCB stack-ups, superconducting integrated circuits, signal integrity, power delivery, and manufacturing constraints.
• Experience in advanced hardware domains such as quantum systems, high-performance computing, or complex embedded systems.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturing and design for test (DFM/DFT), process development, and early-stage technology maturation.
• Experience building project schedules, managing budgets, planning resources, and partnering across matrixed teams.
• Ability to manage supplier performance, support technical engagements, and drive accountability across internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution for electrical engineering initiatives, including PCB and/or superconducting integrated circuits development, validation, integration, sustaining activities, program schedules, critical paths, risk mitigation, and cross-team dependencies.
• Drive complex PCB supplier and manufacturing engagements by coordinating capability assessments, technical reviews, readiness evaluations, process development, stack-ups, design rules, yield improvement, cost optimization, and performance tracking.
• Partner across qubit design, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, reliability, sourcing, supply chain, fabrication partners, contract manufacturers, system integrators, and leadership teams to align deliverables, resolve blockers, and support high-quality execution.
• Develop and improve electrical and PCB development processes, documentation, quality frameworks, design review practices, design for manufacturing, testability, and validation workflows, manufacturing readiness processes, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.
• Own program budget, resource, and portfolio planning for assigned efforts, including build costs, vendor non-recurring engineering, capital needs, engineering resource forecasts, cost scenario modeling, actuals tracking, and alignment to fiscal expectations.
• Communicate clearly across technical and executive audiences, synthesize engineering and supplier input into decision frameworks, influence outcomes without direct authority, and mentor junior engineering planning coordinators and engineers while reinforcing Microsoft’s values and inclusive culture.

Benefits

• Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree