Principal Quantum Systems Architect
About The Position
Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented and diverse international team to create the world’s first scalable quantum computing system. Our full‑stack approach involves exciting innovation from the physics of quantum devices through scalable readout and control systems based on cryo‑electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing. This position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful influence on a revolutionary technology. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit https://quantum.microsoft.com/. We are seeking a Principal Quantum Systems Architect (Control & Readout) to define the architecture of scalable classical control and readout systems for large-scale quantum computing. This role focuses on system design at the quantum-classical interface, including compute platforms, communication fabrics, synchronization, and signal-processing frameworks.This is a strategic technical leadership role, shaping long-term architecture while guiding validation and integration across the stack. 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 Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience.
- 6+ years programming experience in related programming languages.
- 6+ years experience in a collaborative environment.
- 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.
- Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office CoPilot, GitHub CoPilot, or Chat GPT.
- Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
Nice To Haves
- Proven experience designing complex compute or signal-processing architectures (e.g., SoCs, distributed systems, accelerators, networking fabrics)
- Proficient understanding of system architecture fundamentals (compute, memory, interconnects, data movement, HW/SW partitioning)
- Experience driving architectural trade-offs across performance, scalability, power, and reliability
- Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware/software co-design initiatives
- Experience with RF signal processing, instrumentation, or measurement systems
- Familiarity with quantum control, readout, or error correction concepts
- Experience with FPGA, ASIC, or custom accelerator technologies
- Exposure to cryogenic or constrained computing environments
- Experience defining scalable architectures for emerging compute platforms
- Track record of architecturally guiding the delivery of large-scale systems from concept through production
Responsibilities
- Define the system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout across room-temperature and cryogenic domains
- Drive architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms supporting control, measurement, and feedback workloads
- Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across hardware, firmware, software, and quantum systems
- Define communication, synchronization, and dataflow architectures enabling deterministic, low-latency operation at scale
- Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward scalable, production-ready quantum systems
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
