Principal Quantum Systems Modeling Engineer

Microsoft•Santa Barbara, CA

About The Position

The Microsoft Quantum team is redefining what's possible with technology — creating unprecedented possibilities to solve humanity’s most complex challenges. Our team combines hardware innovation with software technologies and Azure services to build scalable quantum technologies in an industry-leading quantum ecosystem. 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 (AI), and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are seeking a Principal Quantum Systems Modeling Engineer to define and lead the integrated performance-modeling capability for our next-generation topological quantum computing platform. You will connect physical qubit behavior, control and readout performance, quantum error correction, and representative workloads to predict system-level outcomes, guide architecture, set technical direction across multidisciplinary teams, establish rigorous model interfaces and validation practices, and turn incomplete evidence into clear, actionable recommendations. 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 use AI tools to improve engineering productivity, including performance analysis, research synthesis, and routine workflow automation.
Ability to work effectively in an AI-first environment by incorporating modern AI tools into day-to-day hardware development and decision-making.

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.
Demonstrated familiarity with quantum computing systems, including physical qubit modeling or control & readout modeling
Experience developing, integrating, or validating quantitative models for complex systems.
Experience designing modular, composable modeling frameworks with well-defined interfaces, provenance, and reproducible execution.
Demonstrated ability to integrate work across multidisciplinary teams and clearly communicate model assumptions, limitations, uncertainty, and recommendations.
Experience applying modern AI tools or agentic workflows to accelerate scientific modeling while maintaining validation and traceability.

Responsibilities

Define the technical vision and roadmap for the end-to-end system performance model for a topological quantum computing platform, connecting physical qubit behavior to representative quantum workloads and system-level outcomes.
Integrate subsystem modeling efforts across quantum error correction, qubit performance, readout, and the pulsing and control chain into a consistent performance-prediction framework.
Define interfaces, assumptions, and validation criteria for subsystem models, and work with domain experts to resolve inconsistencies, quantify uncertainty, and close modeling gaps.
Develop common frameworks that compose multiple analytical and simulation models.
Use integrated models to evaluate architectural trade-offs, identify performance gaps and critical uncertainties, and influence technical roadmaps across multidisciplinary teams.
Leverage modern AI tools to accelerate model integration, rapid prototyping, performance analysis, and engineering productivity while maintaining rigorous validation and traceability.
Embody our Culture and Values.