Senior Quantum Simulation Engineer

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 at the quantum plane to providing global quantum services. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing.

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 devices and few-qubit arrays. 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 qubit dynamics and error processes to deliver actionable insights that guide qubit designs and operational protocols. You’ll collaborate closely with system, measurement, and quantum error correction teams in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment, working alongside world-class engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of quantum technology.

At Microsoft, our mission—to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress—people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.

• Simulation Development: Design, build, and refine complex models of quantum devices and qubit 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 decisions and qubit operation strategies.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Collaborate effectively across teams, demonstrating clear communication.
• Other:
  • Embody our Culture and Values

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.

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.

Additional/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

• Research experience in the theory of quantum devices or quantum computation.
• Experience modeling open quantum system dynamics and familiarity with numerical methods for simulating qubit devices.
• Background in quantum error correction and qubit error models.
• Proficiency in high-performance computing environments and experience developing code collaboratively in Python or Julia.
• Ability to work in an AI-first environment, using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery across hardware and software development.
• Ability to design and build AI agents or copilots that support experiment setup, log triage, measurement report generation, protocol templating, and knowledge retrieval from resources such as instrument manuals and design documents.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across teams and clearly convey complex technical concepts.

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