Senior Quantum Architect

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

20h

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 Quantum Architect for the Quantum Hardware Systems Architecture and Pathfinding team to define and drive the end-to-end architecture of scalable quantum computing systems. This role focuses on translating technical and product goals into cohesive system architectures across quantum hardware, classical infrastructure, firmware, software, and cloud services for both first party topological quantum systems and third-party partner quantum systems in multiple qubit modalities. You will help pull in the timeline by driving the simplification and improvement of full stack quantum systems. To do that relevant skillsets include end-to-end quantum architecture development and analysis (from qubit to quantum error correction to control/readout and system design), system modeling, and hardware pathfinding of critical components and system integration. Success will require working closely with our software, quantum information theory, systems engineering, design, measurement, and fabrication teams. The quantum hardware systems architecture and pathfinding team leads hardware systems architecture for Microsoft Quantum, having accountability for system architecture and roadmaps, and explores how new approaches can validate, buy down risk, or accelerate that architecture. We are seeking candidates with a wide range of relevant skills, both classical and quantum. Quantum architects help establish system boundaries and interfaces, guide cross-stack trade-offs, and align platform roadmaps, validation strategies, and integration plans. This role has broad influence over the evolution of production-ready quantum systems. 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 Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 1+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems. OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems. OR equivalent experience.
• 4+ years programming experience in related programming languages.
• 4+ years experience in a collaborative environment.
• 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.
• Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office CoPilot, GitHub CoPilot, or Chat GPT.
• Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.

Nice To Haves

• Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment, which may include completion of a postdoctoral research position 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.

Responsibilities

• Define the system architecture for scalable quantum computing platforms across quantum and classical domains
• Drive architectural direction across hardware, firmware, software, cloud services, and system integration
• Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across the full technology stack
• Define interfaces, dataflows, and integration frameworks enabling reliable, scalable operation
• Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward production-ready quantum systems
• Demonstrated excellence in relevant skillsets relevant to quantum computer architecture and validation, including, quantum plane technologies (solid-state or atomic, molecular, or optical qubits); control/readout of quantum technologies; systems technology (environment and fields; interconnects)
• System modeling and/or hardware pathfinding

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: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree