Principal Quantum Systems Architect

Job ID: 200036472Posted: 2026-05-19Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $142,800 - $274,800 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 3 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Quantum ComputingDiscipline: Quantum Software EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft Quantum has assembled a talented and diverse international team to create the world’s first scalable quantum computing system. Our full‑stack approach involves exciting innovation from the physics of quantum devices through scalable readout and control systems based on cryo‑electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing. This position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful influence on a revolutionary technology. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit .We are seeking a Principal Quantum Systems Architect(Control & Readout) to define the architecture of scalable classical control and readout systems for large-scale quantum computing. This role focuses on system design at the quantum-classical interface, including compute platforms, communication fabrics, synchronization, and signal-processing frameworks.This is a strategic technical leadership role, shaping long-term architecture while guiding validation and integration across the stack.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.ResponsibilitiesDefine the system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout across room-temperature and cryogenic domainsDrive architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms supporting control, measurement, and feedback workloadsEstablish system partitioning and co-design strategies across hardware, firmware, software, and quantum systemsDefine communication, synchronization, and dataflow architectures enabling deterministic, low-latency operation at scaleLead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward scalable, production-ready quantum systemsOther:Embody our Culture and ValuesQualificationsRequired Qualifications:Doctorate 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 systemsOR Master'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 systemsOR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience.6+ years programming experience in related programming languages.6+ years experience in a collaborative environment.Other Requirements: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.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.Preferred Qualifications:Proven experience designing complex compute or signal-processing architectures (e.g., SoCs, distributed systems, accelerators, networking fabrics)Proficient understanding of system architecture fundamentals (compute, memory, interconnects, data movement, HW/SW partitioning)Experience driving architectural trade-offs across performance, scalability, power, and reliabilityDemonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware/software co-design initiatives Experience with RF signal processing, instrumentation, or measurement systemsFamiliarity with quantum control, readout, or error correction conceptsExperience with FPGA, ASIC, or custom accelerator technologiesExposure to cryogenic or constrained computing environmentsExperience defining scalable architectures for emerging compute platformsTrack record of architecturally guiding the delivery of large-scale systems from concept through production#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareersQuantum Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.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.