Principal Technical Program Manager - Quantum

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

1d

About The Position

As the Principal Technical Program Manager (TPM) in the Quantum 1st Party Hardware TPM team, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing the development of Microsoft’s quantum hardware infrastructure. You will orchestrate cross-functional engineering initiatives, shape the direction of cutting-edge device research and development, and ensure robust execution across internal and external partners, all while aligning to Microsoft’s core values of growth mindset, innovation, and inclusion. You will be a seasoned technical program manager with a dedicated passion for customer focused solutions, insight and industry knowledge to envision and implement future technical solutions that will manage and optimize our scalable Quantum solution for our 1st Party customers. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of quantum hardware innovation. You will collaborate with leading physicists, quantum theorists, quantum experimentalists, research engineers, systems engineers, technical program managers, supply chain experts, cloud architects, and external partners to accelerate the scale-up of topological qubits and quantum systems that unlock unprecedented scientific and business value. If you are energized by complex program management challenges, thrive in ambiguity, and have a passion for foundational technologies that redefine what’s possible, we invite you to join us and help shape the future of quantum computing. 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

• Bachelor's Degree AND 6+ years experience in quantum information, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, hardware systems, engineering, or related technical fields OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
• 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 or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of citizenship, 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).
• Apply AI to accelerate engineering and lab workflows.
• Design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g., instrument manuals, design docs).
• Evaluate agentic solutions with measurable metrics and humanintheloop safeguards following Microsoft Responsible AI requirements for generative AI.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree AND 12+ years’ experience in hardware engineering, product or technical program management, or hardware product development (or equivalent experience). OR Master’s degree AND 10+ years’ experience in a relevant field. OR Doctorate AND 6+ years’ experience in a relevant field.
• 10+ years of experience owning and managing multi-year, highly complex hardware product portfolios involving deep-tech or first-of-a-kind technologies (e.g., quantum systems, ASICs, photonics, advanced chip packaging, cryoelectronics, or other high-reliability hardware).
• Experience with hardware product development across the full lifecycle, including system integration and new technology introduction into engineering and manufacturing.
• Experience with hands-on hardware or quantum-related R&D, including device development, measurement/control systems, or similar advanced hardware domains.
• Experience leading external research partnerships with universities, government agencies, or consortia (e.g., DARPA, NIST, or top-tier academic labs) in advanced hardware or scientific domains.
• Experience with technology transfer from R&D into scaled engineering and manufacturing, including hardware quality systems and development or auditing of test and validation protocols.
• Experience operating in fast-paced, matrixed product development environments using program management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Azure DevOps, or similar) to support data-driven execution, issue and risk tracking, schedule management, and executive-level reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive program management for pivotal quantum hardware initiatives. Oversee all phases, including concept development, engineering design, prototyping, validation, operational scaling, and ongoing delivery. Collaborate closely with system architects, research scientists, and hardware engineers to ensure successful outcomes for each project.
• Work with program management leadership, engineering teams, and executive stakeholders to develop and maintain a clear roadmap for hardware platform advancement. Align technical milestones, allocate resources, manage schedules, and address risks to support Microsoft Quantum’s overarching long-term goals.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment among teams specializing in quantum device physics, cryoelectronics, materials science, hardware control, manufacturing, supply chain, integration, and cloud hardware operations. Ensure that integrated efforts result in reliable and scalable hardware solutions.
• Manage relationships with external foundries, research laboratories, equipment vendors, and strategic partners. Foster cross-company collaboration, establish clear requirements, and ensure compliance with Microsoft’s standards for quality, safety, and data security.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate technical, scheduling, and operational risks throughout program execution. Apply continuous improvement strategies and adjust programs in response to lessons learned and evolving technology trends.
• Oversee Agile program processes and ceremonies, promote transparency by conducting regular reviews and updates, and proactively remove obstacles to ensure timely achievement of critical deliverables.
• Incorporate feedback from internal and pilot customers—including researchers, manufacturing partners, and Azure Quantum platform teams—to guide improvements in hardware and processes.
• Develop concise, data-driven reports and executive updates that communicate program status, milestones, risks, dependencies, and impact, upholding Microsoft’s high standards for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Embody our culture and values

Benefits

• Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees