Quantum Systems Operations Engineer
Microsoft · Washington · $102,100–$202,200 (stated in the posting)
OverviewThe Microsoft Quantum team is redefining what is possible with technology, creating unprecedented possibilities to solve humanity’s most complex challenges. Our team combines hardware innovation with software technologies and Azure services to build scalable quantum technologies in an industry-leading quantum ecosystem.
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. 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 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum.
We are looking for a Quantum Systems Operations Engineer to own the operational backbone that keeps our cryogenic labs moving: Material readiness for dilution-refrigerator upgrades and the running of vendor operations. This person makes sure upgrade kits are staged and complete before the install crew needs them, and that the vendor machine (intake, budgets, contracts, and records) keeps turning without any single person becoming the bottleneck for every transaction. You will work daily with electrical, mechanical, cryogenic, software, and lab-operations teams, as well as external suppliers.
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.
Responsibilities
Own the parts inventory for cryogenic fridge upgrades: Track stock levels, lead times, and reorder points so upgrades never stall on missing material.
Pick, assemble, and stage upgrade kits for the install crew as fridges advance from one hardware version to the next, working from the engineering team’s bill of materials.
Maintain the inventory system as the single source of truth for what is on hand, on order, and committed.
Run vendor operations end to end: Intake, budget tracking, records and metadata hygiene, contract end dates, fiscal-year renewals, tracker synchronization, and supplier weekly reporting.
Safeguard sensitive vendor and financial records (bill rates, contracts, purchase orders), and serve as the operational point of contact that keeps suppliers, budget owners, and engagement leads aligned.
Grow the role into cryobay requirements ratification and fiscal-year capital-equipment budget-actuals reconciliation, turning stakeholder input into buildable documentation.
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field. OR Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 2+ 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
OR Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment
OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years experience in industry or in a research and development environment OR equivalent experience.
2+ years supporting cryogenic, radio frequency (RF), or precision-hardware lab operations.
2+ years owning a bill-of-materials or kitting process for hardware assembly or upgrades.
1+ year managing vendor or contingent-staff lifecycle work (intake, contracts, renewals, offboarding).
1+ year bridging technical teams and business operations (procurement, finance, or facilities).
Ability to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., measurement, performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day-to-day task automation).
Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.
#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
Quantum Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 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 $133,800 - $219,200 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.