Senior Quantum Materials UHV Hardware 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 Quantum Materials UHV Hardware Engineer to design, build, operate, and evolve advanced UHV deposition and processing systems. This role sits at the foundation of our materials and device pipeline and has direct impact on growth quality, experimental throughput, and long‑term scalability.

You will work closely with materials growth, nanofabrication, characterization, and device teams to translate experimental requirements into robust, high‑performance hardware platforms.

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*
* + Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) System Design & Construction:
Design, build, and commission custom UHV chambers and materials deposition systems capable of achieving base pressures ~10⁻¹¹ Torr;
Specify and integrate pumps, gauges, manipulators, motion systems, heaters, cryogenic components, and in‑vacuum diagnostics;
Drive system‑level trade‑offs balancing flexibility, reliability, and experimental performance.

+ Thermal & Environmental Control:
Design and implement variable‑temperature stages and subsystems supporting materials deposition and processing from ~1000 °C down to cryogenic (liquid helium) temperatures;
Ensure thermal stability, reproducibility, and compatibility with sensitive quantum materials.

+ Platform Evolution & Experiment Enablement:
Adapt hardware platforms to evolving materials, deposition, and characterization requirements;
Partner with experimental teams to translate new scientific needs into practical hardware modifications or next‑generation system designs;
Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of UHV tools.

+ Cross‑Functional Technical Leadership:
Collaborate across quantum materials, fabrication, measurement, theory, and software teams to ensure hardware capabilities align with program needs;
Seek, integrate, and act on technical input across disciplines to accelerate experimental progress.

+ AI‑Accelerated Operations;
Leverage modern AI tools to improve system monitoring, log analysis, documentation, and failure diagnosis;
Develop or utilize AI agents/copilots to assist with experiment setup, log triage, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval.

Other

+ Embody our  culture  and  values.  

** Qualifications*
* Required qualifications:

+ Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in industry or in a research and development environment, could include completion of a post doctoral research position

+ OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment

+ OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ 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 role. If the role requires US citizenship, as indicated in the job…