Overview

Microsoft 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 https://quantum.microsoft.com/.

We are seeking a Principal Quantum Systems Architect to define the architecture of scalable classical control and readout systems for large-scale quantum computing. This role focuses on system design at the quantum-classical interface, including compute platforms and communication fabrics. This is a strategic technical leadership role, shaping long-term architecture while guiding validation and integration across the stack.

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.

Responsibilities

Define the system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout
Drive architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms supporting control, measurement, and feedback workloads
Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across hardware, firmware, microarchitecture, software, and quantum systems
Lead the collaboration with third-party quantum hardware partners in Europe
Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward scalable, production-ready quantum systems

Other:

Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR equivalent experience.
- Experience driving architectural trade-offs across performance, scalability, power, and reliability

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.

Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office CoPilot, GitHub CoPilot, or Chat GPT.
Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven experience designing complex compute or signal-processing architectures (e.g., SoCs, distributed systems, accelerators, networking fabrics)
Proficient understanding of system architecture fundamentals (compute, memory, interconnects, data movement, HW/SW partitioning)
Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware/software co-design initiatives
Familiarity with quantum control, readout, or error correction concepts
Experience with FPGA, ASIC, or custom accelerator technologies
Exposure to cryogenic or constrained computing environments
Experience defining scalable architectures for emerging compute platforms

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers

Quantum Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across Switzerland is CHF 183,800.00 - CHF 309,700.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/switzerland-corporate-pay.html

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.

About the company

Microsoft builds workplace software, operating systems and cloud infrastructure for consumers, businesses and government agencies, from small organizations to global enterprises. Microsoft 365 combines Word and Excel with Teams communication and Copilot AI features, while Windows runs PCs and Surface supplies the company's own computers. Azure rents computing capacity, storage and databases to build and run web applications. Microsoft also sells Xbox consoles and games, collecting revenue through software licenses, subscriptions, usage charges and product sales. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft is headquartered in Redmond, Washington.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Redmond, Washington

Founded

1975

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

US corporate staff receive education support: eligible, approved graduate coursework qualifies for up to $10,000 annually.
Cloud demand expands: July 2026 results showed Azure and other cloud services revenue grew 43% year-over-year in fiscal Q4.
Investment has an earnings cushion: July 2026 results reported $155.2 billion consolidated operating profit for fiscal 2026.

What critics are saying

Performance reviews include security: every Microsoft employee must discuss their security contribution with their manager.
Office flexibility depends on the role: Microsoft's postings specify requirements ranging from fully remote to fully on-site.
Cloud capacity faces local limits: Microsoft describes power-grid delays and water constraints affecting US datacenter expansion.

What makes Microsoft unique

Hybrid customers stay within reach: Azure Arc manages servers across customer datacenters and competing clouds.
Developer reach extends beyond Azure: Microsoft's GitHub hosts code collaboration alongside AI coding tools.
Professional data widens its business: Microsoft owns LinkedIn's recruiting, advertising and workplace-learning network.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Company Match
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options

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Microsoft

Principal Quantum Systems Architect

About the job

About the company

Get referred to Microsoft

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Microsoft unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth