Overview

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. 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 (AI), and quantum information technology. 

We are looking for a diverse set of talented and focused people to accelerate the delivery of useful quantum computers. Microsoft has an internal program pursuing topological qubits for large-scale quantum computing. We are also working closely with a growing list of companies to advance quantum computer systems at every layer of the stack and bring them to market on the Microsoft Quantum accelerator platform. We believe AI can accelerate both the creation of useful quantum computers and bring-in the timelines for their realization. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit  https://quantum.microsoft.com/  

The Quantum Design team at Microsoft is seeking a Senior Quantum Simulation Engineer to model and simulate the dynamics of topological qubit and related devices. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence groundbreaking technology and accelerate progress toward scalable quantum computing.

As a Quantum Simulation Engineer, you will develop and refine advanced simulation methods to model open quantum systems, interpret results, and deliver actionable insights that guide qubit designs and operational protocols. You’ll collaborate closely with system and measurement teams in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment, working alongside world-class engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of quantum technology.

Responsibilities

Simulation Development: Design, build, and refine complex models of quantum devices and operations.
Validation & Optimization: Develop, test, and validate models, iterating to improve accuracy and performance.
Predictive Analysis: Compare simulation outcomes with experimental data to ensure reliability and guide improvements.
Tool Creation: Build and maintain simulation tools, libraries, and modeling systems to support device development.
Large-Scale Modeling: Conduct simulations to explore device behavior and scalability.
Insight Generation: Translate theoretical and simulation results into design and optimization strategies.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively across teams, demonstrating clear communication.

Other:

Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 1+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
- OR equivalent experience.
Research experience in the theory of quantum devices (superconducting, topological, spin, ...) or related domains.
Familiarity with numerical methods for simulating quantum devices.
Effective communication skills for working across teams and conveying complex ideas.

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 or Export Administration Regulations, 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.
Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.
Ability to design and build AI agents/copilots that assist with experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval (e.g. instrument manuals, design docs).

Additional or preferred qualifications

Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment (completion of a postdoctoral research position may be included)
- 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
Experience modeling the dynamics of open quantum systems.
Background in topological and mesoscopic device physics.
Proficiency with high performance computing environments.
Experience with collaborative code development in Python or Julia.

Quantum Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

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.

Senior Quantum Simulation Engineer