Principal Quantum Materials Engineer

** Overview*
* 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   . 

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 Materials Engineer
** to lead the development of superconductor-semiconductor heterostructure that directly enable topological qubit performance and scalability. This role is central to translating materials innovation into device‑level and system‑level impact and carries significant technical ownership across the materials stack.

You will work closely with experts in device physics, modeling, and characterization teams, operating in a fast‑paced, highly interdisciplinary R&D environment.

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*
* + Advanced Heterostructure Growth:
Define, implement, and refine MBE growth protocols for complex superconductor-semiconductor heterostructures;
Achieve precise control over interfaces, composition, strain, and defect density that directly impact topological qubit performance;
Drive materials improvements such as enhanced spin‑orbit coupling, reduced disorder, and reproducible interface quality.

+ Materials-Device Feedback & Experimentation:
Design and execute principled, data driven experiments that couple growth conditions to structure, materials properties, and device outcomes;
Own the growth → structure → properties → device feedback loop, ensuring materials advances translate into measurable qubit improvements;
Provide technical judgment on growth tradeoffs that influence fabrication flows and process integration decisions.

+ Tooling & Diagnostics Leadership:
Design, build, upgrade, and maintain UHV MBE systems and in‑situ diagnostics (e.g., RHEED, spectroscopy);
Develop or integrate new diagnostics and tool capabilities to enable next‑generation materials performance;

+ Cross Functional Technical Leadership:
Collaborate closely with nanofabrication, characterization, theory, and device teams to enable coherent, end-to-end process development;
Communicate complex materials insights clearly across disciplines and help set technical direction where materials are the limiting factor.

+ AI Accelerated Materials Development:
Operate effectively in an AI‑first R&D environment, using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery and optimization;
Design or leverage AI agents/copilots to assist with experiment planning, log analysis, protocol templating, data interpretation, and knowledge retrieval.

+ Other

+ Embody our  culture  and  values.  

** Qualifications*
* ** Required Qualifications*
* + 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.

+ As stated in the job posting, this position requires verification of citizenship or other protected status to meet legal requirements of the…