Senior Quantum Architect

Job ID: 200057073Posted: 2026-09-24Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $119,800 - $234,700 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 3 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Quantum ComputingDiscipline: Quantum Software EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewOur Quantum team is working at the forefront of science and technology to bring scalable quantum computing to the world. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We’re seeking a Senior Quantum Architect to develop applications for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Are you enthusiastic about quantum computing and its applications? Do you want to be part of the next revolution in computing? Microsoft is looking for you! We are looking for talented scientists and engineers to join our team to build algorithms and applications for scaled fault-tolerant quantum computers. This is a unique opportunity to work with world-class scientists and engineers to drive innovation across quantum applications, development platforms, and hybrid quantum-classical workflows. For more information about our team, visit .  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. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.  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. ResponsibilitiesWork at the cutting-edge of quantum computing, designing algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Develop and apply advanced toolsets for modeling quantum applications on a variety of hardware architectures, determining the quantum resources needed to execute them. Develop and apply new techniques for application- and architecture-aware quantum circuit compilation and optimization. Team with world-class engineers, researchers, architects, and leaders, contributing to your career growth. Drive cross-group collaboration within Microsoft Quantum’s teams. OtherEmbody our culture and values. QualificationsRequired/Minimum Qualifications:Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 1+ year(s) 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 3+ 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 4+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systemsOR equivalent experience.4+ years programming experience in related programming languages.4+ 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. Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency. Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate research and discovery. Additional or Preferred 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 6+ 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 8+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systemsOR equivalent experience.#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers Quantum Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 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.