Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer

Microsoft•West Lafayette, IN

18h•$142,800 - $304,200

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, and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. Microsoft Quantum is building the world’s first scalable quantum computing system, with a full‑stack approach spanning materials, devices, systems, and cloud services. Our hardware strategy is centered on topological qubits, which require sophisticated nanofabrication of hybrid semiconductor–superconductor devices with stringent control of interfaces, materials quality, and process integration. We are seeking a Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer to lead and execute state-of-the-art nanoscale characterization of quantum materials and heterostructures using techniques such as STM/STS, atom probe tomography (APT), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This role is central to establishing a deep physical understanding of materials at the atomic and electronic scale and translating that understanding into actionable insights that directly impact qubit performance, device design, and process integration. You will operate across internal teams and external national laboratory facilities, defining characterization strategy, executing high-impact experiments, and driving materials → device feedback at the frontier of quantum hardware R&D. 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.
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.
Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., 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.

Nice To Haves

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years of experience in advanced characterization or quantum materials R&D OR equivalent experience
Deep expertise in one or more of: STM/STS, Atom probe tomography (APT), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Experience in designing and executing complex characterization experiments
Experience in interpreting nanoscale structural and electronic data
Experience working across multidisciplinary teams
Interpret complex datasets to identify root causes of performance limitations
Translate characterization results in actionable guidance for materials growth, fabrication, and integration
Experience with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials or quantum-relevant systems
Develop and maintain strategic collaborations with external experts and facility scientists
Plan and execute multi-institution experimental programs, including proposal definition, scheduling, and data delivery
Identify key knowledge gaps and define measurement strategies to de-risk program milestones
Communicate insights clearly across disciplines, influencing materials selection, process integration, and device architecture
Apply AI/ML tools to accelerate: Image and spectroscopy analysis, Feature extraction and defect classification, Cross-correlation of structure and device performance
Build reusable data and knowledge frameworks across characterization methods
Experience working with national labs or large-scale user facilities
Background in correlating nanoscale structure with device or quantum performance
Familiarity with MBE growth, nanofabrication, or low-temperature transport measurements
Strong track record of technical impact (publications, invited talks, or major experimental programs led)
Familiarity with advanced spectroscopic techniques (e.g., ARPES, HAXPES)

Responsibilities

Define and execute advanced characterization experiments using: Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS), Atom probe tomography (APT), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Extract atomic-scale and electronic structure information relevant to: Interface quality and disorder, Composition, defects, and dopant distribution, Electronic states and superconducting properties
Establish and own the structure → properties → device feedback loop, linking nanoscale measurements to qubit-relevant metrics
Lead experimental campaigns at U.S. national laboratories and user facilities (e.g., DOE labs, shared instrumentation centers)
Provide characterization-driven technical direction across materials, fabrication, and device teams
Develop and scale pipelines for high-throughput data acquisition, analysis, and correlation
Embody our culture and values.