Principal Quantum System Architect (Redmond)

Job ID: 200015326Posted: 2025-12-11Location: 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’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. The Microsoft Quantum team is redefining what is possible with technology, creating unprecedented possibilities to solve humanity’s most complex challenges. Our team combines hardware innovation with software technologies and Azure services to build scalable quantum technologies in an industry-leading quantum ecosystem. This Senior Quantum Architect position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the design of future scalable quantum computers. We are seeking a Principal Quantum System Architect to play a central role in conceptualizing, designing, and evaluating quantum computing systems that may be based on many different qubit technologies from the novel to the well-established. For more information about our team, visit .   ResponsibilitiesEvaluate different quantum computing qubit technologies to identify system bottlenecks and key trade-offsConstruct performance models and determine optimal system requirementsDevelop advanced toolsets for modeling quantum componentsDetermine novel quantum applications and evaluate the quantum resources needed to execute them on a quantum system architectureDrive cross-group and cross-disciplinary collaboration within Microsoft Quantum’s qubit device modeling, quantum error correction, and quantum applications teamsConceptualize and design the subsystems of the complex architecture that defines the quantum machineOther:Embody our Culture and ValuesQualificationsRequired/Minimum Qualifications  Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems  OR Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems  OR Doctorate in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, Software Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, hardware engineering, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience.  4+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: high-performance computing, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, quantum simulation, hardware accelerator simulation and/or modeling. Demonstrated ability to work effectively across internal and external organizations, with strong communication and leadership skills.  Other RequirementsAbility 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 or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide proof of citizenship, 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 evaluate agentic solutions with measurable metrics and human-in-the-loop safeguards following Microsoft Responsible AI requirements for generative AI. Additional or Preferred Qualifications Experience developing and implementing algorithms for quantum applications, preferably for fault-tolerant quantum systems. Experience with classical computer performance modeling and architecture including accelerators (GPUs, TPUs, or coprocessor designs) Experience with high-performance classical computing methods.  Skills in applied mathematics or related disciplines.  Methodical problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.   Proficient written and verbal communication skills.   Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic multi-disciplinary team environment.  #Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers Quantum 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.