Principal Quantum Materials Nanofabrication Engineer

Microsoft•West Lafayette, IN

16h•$142,800 - $304,200•Onsite

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 Nanofabrication Engineer to play a key role in developing, executing, and refining nanofabrication processes that directly support next generation topological qubit devices. This role provides hands-on ownership of fabrication workflows and close coupling to materials growth, device physics, and characterization 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

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.
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

Hands‑on experience with one or more of the following in a cleanroom environment: Electron‑beam lithography, Atomic layer deposition (ALD), Thin‑film metal deposition, Gate dielectric deposition and characterization, Ion milling / etching processes.
Proven track record of developing or improving semiconductor process flows that materially impact device performance.
Direct experience optimizing and characterizing thin‑film gate dielectrics.
Written and oral communication skills, with attention to detail and process rigor.
Demonstrated ability to safely operate sophisticated equipment and handle industrial solvents, acids, and bases.
Hands‑on experience developing new process steps and fabrication flows for semiconductor or hybrid devices.
Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a cleanroom environment and execute complex fabrication workflows.

Responsibilities

Develop, execute, and optimize semiconductor and hybrid device fabrication processes in Microsoft’s West Lafayette cleanroom facilities.
Contribute to end‑to‑end process flows for advanced quantum devices, from wafer preparation through final device definition.
Identify process sensitivities and failure modes, and systematically improve yield, reproducibility, and device performance.
Fabricate devices for materials and device characterization experiments, ensuring high process fidelity and documentation quality.
Work closely with materials growth, measurement, and device physics teams to translate experimental requirements into robust fabrication solutions.
Execute detailed design of experiments and iterate results.
Rigorously document fabrication processes, protocols, and results to enable reproducibility and cross‑team knowledge transfer.
Communicate results clearly in written reports and technical discussions.
Transfer research and development processes to high volume manufacturing.
Assist with maintenance and qualification of cleanroom tools and processes.
Train and mentor junior personnel on equipment operation, safety practices, and fabrication best practices.
Use modern AI tools to improve efficiency in process development, data analysis, and technical documentation.
Design or leverage AI agents/copilots to assist with experiment setup, log triage, report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval.
Embody our culture and values.