Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum Hardware)

Microsoft Quantum team is dedicated to developing the first scalable fault-tolerant quantum computer and is leading progress in areas ranging from quantum hardware and error correction to comprehensive integration with Azure. Our team comprises an accomplished and diverse international team focused on constructing a scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack strategy encompasses breakthrough developments spanning the physics of quantum devices to scalable readout and control infrastructures powered by cryo-electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to transform the future of computing and tackle challenges that are currently beyond reach. We are entering a pivotal phase of accelerated growth in quantum computing and this position presents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a transformative technology.

As the Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum Hardware) you will play a critical leadership role in advancing the development of Microsofts quantum hardware infrastructure. You will orchestrate cross-functional engineering initiatives shape the direction of cutting-edge device research and development and ensure robust execution across internal and external partners all while aligning to Microsofts core values of growth mindset innovation and inclusion. You are a deeply experienced technical program manager with a dedicated passion for customer focused solutions insight and industry knowledge to envision and implement future technical solutions that will manage and optimize our scalable Quantum solution for our 1st Party customers.

This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of quantum hardware innovation. You will collaborate with leading physicists quantum theorists quantum experimentalists research engineers systems engineers technical program managers supply chain experts cloud architects and external partners to accelerate the scale-up of topological qubits and quantum systems that unlock unprecedented scientific and business value. If you are energized by complex program management challenges thrive in ambiguity and have a passion for foundational technologies that redefine whats possible we invite you to join us and help shape the future of quantum computing.

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.

• Drive Program Execution: Lead end-to-end program management for pivotal quantum hardware initiatives overseeing concept design prototyping validation scaling and delivery in close partnership with system architects research scientists and hardware engineers.
• Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Partner with program management leadership engineering teams and executive stakeholders to build and maintain a clear hardware platform roadmapaligning milestones resources schedules and risks to Microsoft Quantums long-term goals.
• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Drive alignment across quantum device physics high-speed electronics cryoelectronics materials science hardware control manufacturing supply chain integration and cloud hardware operations to deliver reliable scalable hardware solutions.
• Supplier & Partner Engagement: Manage relationships with external foundries research laboratories equipment vendors and strategic partnersestablishing clear requirements and ensuring compliance with Microsofts standards for quality safety and data security.
• Risk Management: Identify monitor and mitigate technical scheduling and operational risks throughout program execution applying continuous improvement in response to lessons learned and evolving technology trends.
• Agile Delivery: Oversee Agile processes and ceremonies promote transparency through regular reviews and updates and proactively remove obstacles to ensure timely delivery of critical milestones.
• Customer Focus: Incorporate feedback from internal and pilot customersincluding researchers manufacturing partners Azure Quantum platform teams and potential U.S. Government customersto guide improvements in hardware and processes.
• Executive Communication: Develop concise data-driven reports and executive updates communicating program status milestones risks dependencies and impact upholding Microsofts high standards for stakeholder engagement.
• Other:
  • Embody our cultureand values

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree AND 6 years experience in quantum information physics materials science electrical engineering hardware systems engineering or related technical fields
  • OR equivalent experience
• 3 years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

Other Qualifications:

• 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 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 candidates citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents refugees and asylees may verify status using other documents where applicable.
• Ability to leverageAItools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g. performance modeling and analysis research gathering day to day task automation).
• Apply AI to accelerate engineering and lab workflows. Design andbuildAI agents/copilotsthatassistwith experiment setup log triage measurement report generation protocol templating and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals design docs).
• Evaluate agentic solutions with measurable metrics and humanintheloop safeguards following Microsoft Responsible AI requirements for generative AI.

Additional / Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of experience managing multi-year highly complex hardware product portfolios involving deep-tech or first-of-a-kind technologies (e.g. quantum systems neutral atoms ASICs photonics advanced chip packaging cryoelectronics or high-reliability hardware).
• Deep knowledge of the hardware product development lifecycle with demonstrated ability to oversee complex programs spanning R&D system integration new technology introduction and technology transfer from R&D into scaled engineering and manufacturing including developing and auditing hardware quality systems and test protocols.
• Direct experience with quantum device development quantum error correction or quantum measurement/control hardware or other advanced hardware R&D domains.
• Experience working with semiconductor electronics or advanced materials supply chains contract manufacturers and R&D foundries and demonstrated success leading external research university government or consortia partnerships (e.g. DARPA NIST or top-tier university labs) in advanced hardware or scientific domains.
• Demonstrated ability to perform in fast-paced matrixed product development environments using program management methodologies and tools (e.g. Agile Azure DevOps or similar) to support data-driven decision making issue and risk tracking schedule management executive-level reporting and clear communication of complex technical concepts to executive audiences and non-technical stakeholders.
• Advanced degree (. Ph.D.) in a relevant field (e.g. quantum information physics materials science electrical engineering hardware systems) or equivalent applied experience in quantum or cryogenic hardware programs

Technical Program Management IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165600 - $296400 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 $220800 - $331200 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