Senior Cryogenic Engineer

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

3d • $119,800 - $261,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Microsoft Quantum team is redefining what is 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 Senior Cryogenic Engineer to lead the upgrade, maintenance, and lifecycle management of dilution refrigerators and cryogenic systems across multiple laboratories. This role is responsible for ensuring high system reliability, consistent performance, and scalable deployment practices, while driving upgrade programs and supporting advanced quantum hardware integration. The engineer will act as a technical lead and operational owner, coordinating across engineering, facilities, vendors, and global lab teams. This position requires deep hands-on expertise with cryogenic systems, strong troubleshooting capability, and the ability to operate effectively in multi-site, high-complexity experimental environments. 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 1+ year(s) experience in industry or in a research and development environment, could include completion of a post doctoral research position OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ 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 leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., measurement, performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day-to-day task automation).
• Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Cryogenics, or related field
• 6+ years (Senior level) of experience in cryogenic systems or experimental hardware environments
• Deep hands-on experience with dilution refrigerators and cryostats (operation, maintenance, upgrades)
• Expertise in: Vacuum systems, plumbing, and leak detection
• Cryogenic system troubleshooting and failure analysis
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder engineering efforts
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders (cryomechanics, electrical, packaging, systems, facilities) to deliver upgrades on schedule.
• Capture lessons learned and standardize upgrade procedures to enable repeatable deployments across sites.
• Lead troubleshooting of complex issues (e.g., vacuum integrity, thermal instabilities, gas handling systems, wiring faults).
• Drive uptime improvements and root-cause resolution for recurring system failures.
• Coordinate logistics for system upgrades, spare parts, vendor services, and lab readiness.
• Support lab expansion efforts, including system deployment planning and commissioning activities.
• Lead on-site and remote debugging efforts to quickly resolve system issues and minimize downtime.
• Maintain detailed system documentation, configuration records, and service history.
• Participate in SLAs, support agreements, and on-site resource planning as needed.
• Experience supporting multi-site lab operations or global infrastructure
• Familiarity with integration of quantum hardware (RF chains, wiring, measurement systems)
• Experience with system commissioning, installation, and facility integration
• Knowledge of cryogenic automation, monitoring, or control systems
• Proficient documentation and engineering process discipline
• Operates as a technical lead for fridge upgrade and operations strategy across labs
• Drives standardization, scalability, and reliability improvements for cryogenic systems
• Acts as a bridge between research, engineering, and facilities teams
• Mentors early in profession engineers and contributes to building long-term cryogenic infrastructure capability

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of dilution refrigerator and cryostat upgrade programs across multiple labs (e.g., hardware retrofits, wiring upgrades, thermal improvements, system reconfiguration); Define upgrade scopes, validate requirements, and ensure alignment with system performance goals and experimental needs.
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle of cryogenic systems, including maintenance, health monitoring, and performance optimization; Establish and execute preventative maintenance strategies, including pumps, vacuum systems, wiring, and thermal interfaces.
• Support operations across multiple global or distributed lab environments, ensuring consistent standards and system performance; Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Act as the technical expert for cryogenic system performance, including dilution units and gas handling systems, vacuum systems and leak detection, thermalization and heat load management, and RF/DC wiring integration and signal chain considerations.
• Interface with industry vendors for system procurement, upgrades, and maintenance support; Define service expectations, review technical proposals, and ensure delivery quality.
• Embody our Culture and Values.

Benefits

• The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800.00 - $234,700.00 per year.
• There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200.00 - $261,000.00 per year.
• Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree