Senior Quantum Systems Electrical Engineer

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

17d • $119,800 - $234,700

About The Position

Microsoft Quantum is developing a scaled, fault-tolerant quantum computer based on topological qubits and integrated with the Azure Quantum software stack. The Senior Quantum Systems Electrical Engineer will collaborate with quantum physicists, systems software, RF/electrical engineering, and manufacturing and production teams to define, design, and deliver FPGA-based, ultra-low-latency digital subsystems for the topological quantum engine. These systems span readout classification, error-decoder acceleration, room-temperature front ends for cryogenic control, high-speed interconnects, and precision clocking networks. The work directly affects logical-qubit stability, throughput, and system scale.

The role includes designing and implementing prototype circuits and PCBs for custom electronics, FPGA-based high-speed digital designs, RF designs, and mixed-signal electronics; validating circuits through documented component- and system-level testing; supporting laboratory bring-up; and contributing to CI test flows, design documentation, and reviews. The successful candidate must also be able to work in an AI-first environment using modern AI tools to accelerate hardware development.

Requirements

• Doctorate in Physics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a related field and at least 1 year of software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems; OR a master's degree in one of these fields and at least 3 years of such experience; OR a bachelor's degree in one of these fields and at least 4 years of such experience; OR equivalent experience.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Ability to provide citizenship or qualifying status documentation for assessment of eligibility to access export-controlled information; citizenship will be verified with a valid passport, with other applicable documents accepted for lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
• Ability to work in an AI-first environment using modern AI tools to accelerate hardware development.
• Familiarity with designing and building AI agents or copilots to assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years delivering custom electronics designs.
• Familiarity with RFSoC architectures.
• Familiarity with RF and high-speed digital designs.
• Comfort working across hardware/software boundaries, including GPIO, SPI, Serial, and USB, and with scientific instrumentation.
• Exposure to RTL and FPGA design.
• Familiarity with signal processing/control or quantum control/readout concepts; curiosity and fast learning are emphasized.
• Experience with Windows and Linux, VS Code, Git/GitHub, Azure DevOps CI/CD, scripted builds using Tcl/Python, design documentation, code reviews, and comprehensive testing.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement prototype circuits and PCBs for custom electronic devices, FPGA-based high-speed digital designs, RF designs, and mixed-signal electronics.
• Develop and document tests to validate custom circuits at the component and system levels.
• Support laboratory bring-up of new designs using oscilloscopes, VNAs, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and RF instruments.
• Support CI pipeline standup and assist with test development.
• Produce clear design documentation, interface specifications, and bring-up guides.
• Participate in rigorous code and design reviews.
• Embody Microsoft’s culture and values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior