Principal Quantum Materials Engineer

Microsoft • West Lafayette, IN

15h • $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 Materials Engineer to lead the development of superconductor-semiconductor heterostructure that directly enable topological qubit performance and scalability. This role is central to translating materials innovation into device‑level and system‑level impact and carries significant technical ownership across the materials stack. You will work closely with experts in device physics, modeling, and characterization teams, operating in a fast‑paced, highly interdisciplinary R&D environment. 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 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 (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 a related field AND 2+ years of experience in industry or advanced R&D OR Master’s degree AND 4+ years of relevant experience PhD AND 5+ years of experience in industry or advanced R&D OR Master’s degree AND 8+ years of experience OR Bachelor’s degree AND 12+ years of experience OR equivalent experience demonstrating senior‑level technical leadership
• Proven track record of developing MBE processes that materially improve device performance or enable new device concepts.
• Experience with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials, III‑V semiconductors, or related quantum‑relevant materials systems.

Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and refine MBE growth protocols for complex superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures; Achieve precise control over interfaces, composition, strain, and defect density that directly impact topological qubit performance; Drive materials improvements such as enhanced spin‑orbit coupling, reduced disorder, and reproducible interface quality.
• Design and execute principled, data driven experiments that couple growth conditions to structure, materials properties, and device outcomes; Own the growth → structure → properties → device feedback loop, ensuring materials advances translate into measurable qubit improvements; Provide technical judgment on growth tradeoffs that influence fabrication flows and process integration decisions.
• Design, build, upgrade, and maintain UHV MBE systems and in‑situ diagnostics (e.g., RHEED, spectroscopy); Develop or integrate new diagnostics and tool capabilities to enable next‑generation materials performance;
• Collaborate closely with nanofabrication, characterization, theory, and device teams to enable coherent, end-to-end process development; Communicate complex materials insights clearly across disciplines and help set technical direction where materials are the limiting factor.
• Operate effectively in an AI‑first R&D environment, using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery and optimization; Design or leverage AI agents/copilots to assist with experiment planning, log analysis, protocol templating, data interpretation, and knowledge retrieval.
• Embody our culture and values.

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