Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum Hardware and Firmware Systems)

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

16h

About The Position

Microsoft is seeking a Principal Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead end-to-end delivery of next-generation quantum hardware and firmware systems. In this role, you will drive cross-functional execution across research, engineering, and external partners to develop scalable, production-ready quantum solutions. You will partner closely with subsystem R&D leaders (e.g., firmware, control systems, bring-up) to align roadmaps, manage risk, and deliver on critical milestones. This is a high-impact leadership position requiring deep technical expertise, strong program management skills, and a customer-focused mindset to shape the future of Microsoft’s quantum platform. 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.
• 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 human-in-the-loop safeguards following Microsoft Responsible AI requirements for generative AI.

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of experience owning and managing multi-year, highly complex hardware and firmware product portfolios involving deep-tech or first-of-a-kind technologies, including board bring-up, System-on-Chip (SoC) bring-up, BIOS and driver development, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), quantum systems, advanced chip packaging, cryoelectronics, or other high-reliability hardware.
• Experience managing firmware and hardware product development across the full lifecycle, including R&D, system integration, hardware-software integration, new-technology introduction, and technology transfer from R&D into scaled engineering and manufacturing, including hardware quality systems and development or auditing of test and validation protocols.
• Experience with hands-on firmware, low-level systems, or advanced hardware R&D, including BIOS, drivers, embedded systems, quantum device development, quantum error correction, measurement/control systems, or similar advanced hardware domains.
• Experience working with semiconductor, electronics, or advanced materials supply chains, contract manufacturers, R&D foundries, and 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 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, executive-level reporting, and cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive program management for pivotal quantum hardware initiatives, overseeing all phases from concept development to ongoing delivery.
• Collaborate closely with system architects, research scientists, and hardware engineers to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Develop and maintain a clear roadmap for hardware platform advancement, aligning technical milestones, allocating resources, managing schedules, and addressing risks.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment among diverse teams including quantum device physics, cryoelectronics, materials science, hardware control, manufacturing, supply chain, integration, and cloud hardware operations.
• Manage relationships with external foundries, research laboratories, equipment vendors, and strategic partners, fostering collaboration and ensuring compliance.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate technical, scheduling, and operational risks throughout program execution, applying continuous improvement strategies.
• Oversee Agile program processes and ceremonies, promote transparency, and proactively remove obstacles.
• Incorporate feedback from internal and pilot customers to guide improvements in hardware and processes.
• Develop concise, data-driven reports and executive updates on program status, milestones, risks, dependencies, and impact.

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