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At Microsoft Quantum, we aim to empower science and scientists to solve the world’s biggest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology. Microsoft Quantum will change the world of computing and help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. For more information about our team, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum. Microsoft Quantum is building the world’s first scalable quantum computing system, with a full‑stack approach spanning materials, devices, systems, and cloud services. Our hardware strategy is centered on topological qubits, which require sophisticated nanofabrication of hybrid semiconductor–superconductor devices with stringent control of interfaces, materials quality, and process integration. We are seeking a Principal Quantum Advanced Characterization Engineer to lead and execute state-of-the-art nanoscale characterization of quantum materials and heterostructures using techniques such as STM/STS, atom probe tomography (APT), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This role is central to establishing a deep physical understanding of materials at the atomic and electronic scale and translating that understanding into actionable insights that directly impact qubit performance, device design, and process integration. You will operate across internal teams and external national laboratory facilities, defining characterization strategy, executing high-impact experiments, and driving materials → device feedback at the frontier of quantum hardware R&D. 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.
Job Responsibility
Advanced Nanoscale Characterization: Define and execute advanced characterization experiments using: Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS)
Atom probe tomography (APT)
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Extract atomic-scale and electronic structure information relevant to: Interface quality and disorder
Composition, defects, and dopant distribution
Electronic states and superconducting properties
Materials–Device Feedback & Insight Generation: Establish and own the structure → properties → device feedback loop, linking nanoscale measurements to qubit-relevant metrics
National Lab Collaboration & Experiment Leadership: Lead experimental campaigns at U.S. national laboratories and user facilities (e.g., DOE labs, shared instrumentation centers)
Technical Leadership & Cross-Functional Impact: Provide characterization-driven technical direction across materials, fabrication, and device teams
Tooling, Data & AI-Enabled Analysis: Develop and scale pipelines for high-throughput data acquisition, analysis, and correlation
Other
Embody our culture and values
Requirements
Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR equivalent experience
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements
Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency
Ability to work in an "AI-first" environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development
Nice to have
PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years of experience in advanced characterization or quantum materials R&D
OR equivalent experience
Deep expertise in one or more of: STM/STS
Atom probe tomography (APT)
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Experience: Designing and executing complex characterization experiments
Interpreting nanoscale structural and electronic data
Working across multidisciplinary teams
Interpret complex datasets to identify root causes of performance limitations
Translate characterization results into actionable guidance for materials growth, fabrication, and integration
Experience with semiconductor–superconductor hybrid materials or quantum-relevant systems
Develop and maintain strategic collaborations with external experts and facility scientists
Plan and execute multi-institution experimental programs, including proposal definition, scheduling, and data delivery
Identify key knowledge gaps and define measurement strategies to de-risk program milestones
Communicate insights clearly across disciplines, influencing materials selection, process integration, and device architecture
Apply AI/ML tools to accelerate: Image and spectroscopy analysis
Feature extraction and defect classification
Cross-correlation of structure and device performance
Build reusable data and knowledge frameworks across characterization methods
Experience working with national labs or large-scale user facilities
Background in correlating nanoscale structure with device or quantum performance
Familiarity with MBE growth, nanofabrication, or low-temperature transport measurements
Track record of technical impact (publications, invited talks, or major experimental programs led)
Familiarity with advanced spectroscopic techniques (e.g., ARPES, HAXPES)