Senior Quantum Materials MBE Engineer

Microsoft•West Lafayette, IN

11h•$119,800 - $261,000

About The Position

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, and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. Microsoft Quantum is building the world’s first scalable quantum computing system, with a full‑stack approach spanning materials, devices, systems, and cloud services. Our hardware strategy is centered on topological qubits, which require sophisticated nanofabrication of hybrid semiconductor–superconductor devices with stringent control of interfaces, materials quality, and process integration. We are seeking a Senior Quantum Materials MBE Engineer to develop and optimize MBE growth processes that enable high-quality quantum materials and devices. This role focuses on execution excellence, experimental rigor, and cross-functional collaboration, contributing directly to improvements in qubit performance and scalability. You will work closely with experts in device physics, modeling, fabrication, and characterization in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary R&D environment. 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.
Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., 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

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field AND 0–2+ years of experience in industry or advanced R&D OR Master’s degree AND 3–5+ years of relevant experience
Hands-on experience with: Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) or related thin-film growth techniques
Hands-on experience with: Semiconductor or quantum materials systems
Experience designing and executing controlled experiments and analyzing data
Experience with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials or III–V semiconductors
Familiarity with low-temperature device characterization and materials-device correlations
Experience improving materials quality, interface control, or reproducibility
Proficiency with scientific programming and data analysis tools (e.g., Python)
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and optimize MBE growth recipes for semiconductor–superconductor heterostructures.
Execute experiments to control interfaces, composition, strain, and defect density.
Improve materials quality through iterative refinement of growth conditions and process parameters.
Design and execute data-driven experiments linking growth conditions to materials properties and device outcomes.
Contribute to the growth → structure → properties → device feedback loop.
Analyze and interpret experimental results to guide subsequent growth and process optimization.
Operate and maintain UHV MBE systems and in-situ diagnostics (e.g., RHEED, spectroscopy).
Support upgrades and improvements to MBE tools and measurement capabilities.
Ensure reliable operation and high data quality from characterization tools.
Work closely with nanofabrication, characterization, theory, and device teams to align on process requirements.
Communicate experimental results and materials insights clearly to diverse stakeholders.
Support integration of materials advances into device fabrication flows.
Apply modern AI/ML tools to improve experiment planning, analysis, and optimization.
Contribute to automation frameworks for data analysis and reporting.
Embody our culture and values.