Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum Hardware and Firmware Systems)

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

10h

About The Position

Microsoft Quantum team is dedicated to developing the first scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer and is leading progress in areas ranging from quantum hardware and error correction to comprehensive integration with Azure. Our team comprises an accomplished and diverse international team focused on constructing a scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack strategy encompasses breakthrough developments, spanning the physics of quantum devices to scalable readout and control infrastructures powered by cryo-electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to transform the future of computing and tackle challenges that are currently beyond reach. We are entering a pivotal phase of accelerated growth in quantum computing, and this position presents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a transformative technology. 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 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 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

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

Drive Program Execution: 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.
Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: 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.
Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: 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.
Supplier & Partner Engagement: 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.
Risk Management: 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.
Agile Delivery: 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.
Customer Focus: Incorporate feedback from internal and pilot customers—including researchers, manufacturing partners, and Azure Quantum platform teams—to guide improvements in hardware and processes.
Executive Communication: 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