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Microsoft

Builds workplace software, PCs and cloud services

Principal Quantum Systems Architect

Hardware Systems IntegrationConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeRedmond, WA, USA$165.6k - $331.2k /yrIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • A doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or a related field and at least 6 years of experience in industry or a research and development environment; alternatively, a master's degree in those fields and at least 10 years of experience, a bachelor's degree in those fields and at least 12 years of experience, or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
  • For access to export-controlled information, provide proof of country of citizenship, U.S. permanent residency, or other protected status; citizenship is verified with a valid passport, with other documents accepted for lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees where applicable.
  • Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office Copilot, GitHub Copilot, or ChatGPT.
  • Ability to work in an AI-first environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware and software development.

Responsibilities

  • Define the system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout across room-temperature and cryogenic domains.
  • Drive architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms supporting control, measurement, and feedback workloads.
  • Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across hardware, firmware, software, and quantum systems.
  • Define communication, synchronization, and dataflow architectures enabling deterministic, low-latency operation at scale.
  • Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward scalable, production-ready quantum systems.
  • Embody Microsoft’s culture and values.

Desired Qualifications

  • Proven experience designing complex compute or signal-processing architectures, such as systems-on-chip, distributed systems, accelerators, or networking fabrics.
  • Proficient understanding of system architecture fundamentals, including compute, memory, interconnects, data movement, and hardware/software partitioning.
  • Experience driving architectural trade-offs across performance, scalability, power, and reliability.
  • Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware/software co-design initiatives.
  • Experience with radio-frequency signal processing, instrumentation, or measurement systems.
  • 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.
  • Track record of architecturally guiding the delivery of large-scale systems from concept through production.

About the Company

Microsoft

Builds workplace software, PCs and cloud services

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, WA
Founded
1975

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