Principal Electrical Engineer, Instrument Development

Job ID: 200032844Posted: 2026-03-27Location: 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 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 The 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 and maintain reference and validation platforms for critical parts of our stack—creating reusable testbeds, automation, and release criteria that de-risk new designs and accelerate iteration across teams. 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. ResponsibilitiesLead 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 instruments, cryo hardware, 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 and maintain shared reference and validation platforms (bench/rack/PCB/interconnect) used to de-risk new 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 Culture and Values QualificationsRequired Qualifications /Minimum Qualifications Doctorate in Electrical Engineering or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR equivalent experience. 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 (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. 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 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 analog front-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 and demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines (physics, firmware/software, mechanical/thermal, manufacturing, and test). 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 practical deployability deployment considerations for instruments (EMC/EMI, grounding, safety interlocks, ESD, and serviceability). Experience building shared reference/validation testbeds that de-risk new designs and 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 record of mentorship and technical leadership, including setting design/validation bars and guiding others through complex bring-up and debug. #Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers Quantum 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.