Senior Quantum Materials UHV Hardware Engineer

Microsoft•West Lafayette, IN

13h•$119,800 - $261,000•Onsite

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 UHV Hardware Engineer to design, build, operate, and evolve advanced UHV deposition and processing systems. This role sits at the foundation of our materials and device pipeline and has direct impact on growth quality, experimental throughput, and long‑term scalability. You will work closely with materials growth, nanofabrication, characterization, and device teams to translate experimental requirements into robust, high‑performance hardware platforms. 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. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: 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 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

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.
Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field AND 3+ years of experience in advanced R&D or industrial environments OR PhD in a related field with hands‑on experimental hardware experience.
Demonstrated experience designing or operating UHV systems and materials deposition tools.
Proficiency with 3D CAD and visualization tools (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent).
Hands‑on experience with machining, metal fabrication, or close collaboration with machine shops.
Proven track record building or significantly upgrading UHV systems for advanced materials or quantum‑relevant experiments.
Experience supporting materials growth platforms (e.g., MBE, evaporation, sputtering) or closely coupled UHV processing tools.
Familiarity with cryogenic hardware, thermal design, and vibration‑sensitive systems.
Documentation practices and ability to communicate complex hardware designs clearly.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and commission custom UHV chambers and materials deposition systems capable of achieving base pressures ~10⁻¹¹ Torr; Specify and integrate pumps, gauges, manipulators, motion systems, heaters, cryogenic components, and in‑vacuum diagnostics; Drive system‑level trade‑offs balancing flexibility, reliability, and experimental performance.
Design and implement variable‑temperature stages and subsystems supporting materials deposition and processing from ~1000 °C down to cryogenic (liquid helium) temperatures; Ensure thermal stability, reproducibility, and compatibility with sensitive quantum materials.
Adapt hardware platforms to evolving materials, deposition, and characterization requirements; Partner with experimental teams to translate new scientific needs into practical hardware modifications or next‑generation system designs; Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of UHV tools.
Collaborate across quantum materials, fabrication, measurement, theory, and software teams to ensure hardware capabilities align with program needs; Seek, integrate, and act on technical input across disciplines to accelerate experimental progress.
Leverage modern AI tools to improve system monitoring, log analysis, documentation, and failure diagnosis; Develop or utilize AI agents/copilots to assist with experiment setup, log triage, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval.
Embody our culture and values.