Senior Quantum Software Engineer

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Microsoft Quantum is building the world's first scalable quantum computing system, involving innovation from the physics level to global quantum services. The team aims to empower science and scientists to solve major global problems by creating advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology. This role is within the Developer Tools team, focusing on building tools to advance quantum research and development. These tools include quantum-specific languages and compilers, simulators, debuggers, profilers, VS Code integration, AI integration, and interactive visuals. The work is primarily open-source, using Rust, Python, and TypeScript, and hosted on GitHub. The role offers opportunities to grow skills in quantum computing, algorithms, programming languages, compilers, Rust, LLVM technologies, AI tooling, and GPU development. This role is based in the Redmond office, requiring a minimum of 60% time in the office. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and organization to achieve more, fostering a culture of growth mindset, innovation, respect, integrity, and accountability.

Requirements

Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 1+ years software industry experience, including developing 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 developing 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 developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience.
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements.
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 work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.
Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation).

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years software industry experience, including developing 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 6+ years software industry experience, including developing 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 8+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience
3+ years experience working with languages, compilers, simulators, code editors, or AI integration
Experience developing in Rust, Python, or web technologies (HTML & CSS)
Knowledge of quantum computing fundamentals or related mathematics (e.g., complex linear algebra)
Familiarity with quantum development stacks (e.g., QDK, Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane, CUDA-Q, etc.)
Experience developing code for GPUs
Background working with LLVM IR or compiler infrastructure
4+ years programming experience in related programming languages
4+ years experience in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Designing and delivering fast, reliable, and secure components in Rust, Python, and TypeScript that form the backbone of our quantum developer experience.
Building language and compiler features for Q#, OpenQASM, QIR, and related technologies that push the boundaries of what programs quantum developers can express.
Creating intuitive, high-impact VS Code integrations that help scientists and engineers work productively with complex quantum systems.
Exploring new ways to integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities into quantum development workflows.
Collaborating closely with experts in quantum chemistry, error correction, control systems, and hardware to design end-to-end solutions that connect research and product.
Engaging with the open-source community, triaging issues, and contributing improvements that help shape the future of the ecosystem.
Embodying our culture and values.