Principal Electrical Engineer, Instrument Development

Microsoft Quantum has assembled a talented and diverse international team to create the worlds 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 humankinds 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 ona revolutionarytechnology. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team please visit Quantum Systems team is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer Instrument Development to lead the architecture design and deployment of special-purpose instrumentation that enables characterization readout and control of our quantum hardware. This technical leadership role spans mixed-signal electronics low-noise and precision measurement timing/clocking high-speed data conversion and system integration across lab and cryogenic environments.

In addition to instrument development you will help define andmaintainreference and validation platformsfor critical parts of our stackcreating reusable testbeds automation and release criteria that de-risknew designsand accelerate iteration across teams.

Microsofts 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.

• Lead instrument development from concept through prototype and deployment including requirements architecture schematic/layout oversight bring-up calibration and characterization.

• Architect and design precision low-noise and mixed-signal electronics for measurement and control including signal integrity grounding/shielding and power integrity in demanding lab/cryo-adjacent environments.

• Define timing/clocking and synchronization approaches across instruments and subsystems; own key electrical interfaces between instrumentscryohardware and control/readout stacks.

• Drive robust validation of instruments (test plans automated measurements calibration workflows and acceptance criteria) and use data to improve performance reliability and manufacturability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including quantum research architecture experimentalists cryogenics firmware/software and test engineering to translate system needs into measurable electrical specifications and instrument roadmaps.

• Define andmaintainshared reference and validation platforms (bench/rack/PCB/interconnect) used to de-risknew designs enable rapid bring-up and provide repeatable regression coverage for critical slices of the stack.

• Lead vendor engagement and manage build/buy decisions for instrument and validation hardware (e.g. chassis/backplanes connectors/cabling clocks power modules test fixtures) including qualification plans and acceptance criteria.

Other:

• Embody our Cultureand Values

Required Qualifications /Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Electrical Engineering or related field AND 3years experiencein industry or in a research and development environment

• • ORMasters Degree in Electrical Engineeringor related field AND 6years experiencein industry or in a research and development environment

• • ORBachelors Degree in Electrical Engineeringor related field AND 8years experiencein industry or in a research and development environment

• • OR equivalent experience.

Other Qualifications

• Abilityto meet Microsoftcustomerand/or government security screening requirements arerequiredfor this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will berequiredto 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 willbe requiredto 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 candidates citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents refugees and asylees may verify status using other documents where applicable.
• Ability toleverageAI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g. performance modeling and analysis research gatheringday to daytask automation).
• Ability to work in an AI-first environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical leadership in architecting and delivering complex electrical instruments or measurement/control systems (e.g. modular racks/chassis mixed-signal boards precision analogfront-ends timing/clocking or high-speed data acquisition).

• Experience defining validation strategies and executing bring-up/debug for electrical instruments and hardware systems including test planning measurement automation and failure analysis.

• Proficient fundamentals in at least two of the following: precision analog design mixed-signal design signal integrity/power integrity timing/clocking distribution RF/microwave or high-speed digital interfaces.

• Effective communication skills anddemonstratedability to collaborate across disciplines (physics firmware/software mechanical/thermal manufacturing andtest).

• Experience delivering instruments from prototype to sustained operation including calibration/characterization reliability improvements and documentation suitable for broader team use.

• Experience with high-reliability interconnect and packaging constraints (connectors harnessing impedance control grounding/shielding)

• Experience with compliance safety and practicaldeployabilitydeploymentconsiderations for instruments (EMC/EMI grounding safety interlocks ESD and serviceability).

• Experience building shared reference/validation testbeds that de-risknew designsand improve development throughput across teams.

• Experience delivering complex products in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements including cross-team alignment and milestone-driven execution.

• Experience collaborating with firmware/FPGA and driver/software teams to define interfaces and debug across HW/FW/SW boundaries.

• Track recordof mentorship and technical leadership including setting design/validation bars and guiding others through complex bring-upanddebug.

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers

Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142800 - $274800 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 $188000 - $304200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
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.

Required Experience:

IC