Senior or Principal Process Design Kit (PDK) Engineer

Microsoft · Washington · $142,800–$274,800 (stated in the posting)

Overview

Microsoft Quantum is building a topological measurement-based quantum computer to unlock a completely new landscape of computing possibilities. In this measurement-based architecture, qubit readout is especially vital. Come join the multidisciplinary team building a scalable readout system for topological quantum computing!

We're looking for a Senior or Principal Process Design Kit (PDK) Engineer; in this pivotal role you will help develop and mature a cryogenic process-design-kit for superconducting quantum hardware. You will own the model-to-measurement characterization loop for cryogenic devices and process primitives. You will partner with foundry, device, and hardware teams to extend foundry PDK capability to cryogenic temperatures, plan and analyze cryogenic characterization test chips, and translate measurement results into accurate models, design rules, and process guidance. This opportunity will allow you to shape foundational design infrastructure for quantum hardware while working on fast-paced and interdisciplinary teams.

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

Own the model-to-measurement characterization loop for cryogenic process primitives, including test definition, measurement planning, data analysis, parameter extraction, and model update workflows.
Develop, maintain, and refine cryogenic PDK requirements for superconducting circuit technologies, with emphasis on accurate low-temperature device models, parameter extraction, and design-rule coverage.
Partner with external foundries and internal teams to extend foundry PDKs from room-temperature or nominal process assumptions to cryogenic operating regimes relevant to quantum hardware.
Plan, design, and analyze cryogenic characterization test chips for key primitives.
Partner with foundry, device, packaging, and quantum-hardware design teams to connect fabrication process capability, measured cryogenic performance, and scalable circuit-design requirements.
Establish robust characterization infrastructure, including design-of-experiments methods, test structures, data pipelines, statistical summaries, and documentation that enable repeatable PDK updates.
Use industry-standard electronic-design-automation, layout, and physical-verification toolsets to support superconducting circuit design, test-chip development, and PDK validation.
Embody our Culture and Values.

Qualifications

Required / Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience.
- OR Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience.
- OR 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 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 (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 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 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.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience
- OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience
- OR Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years technical engineering experience
- OR equivalent experience.
Proficient with semiconductor or superconducting process characterization, device modeling, parameter extraction, and test-chip analysis.
Proficient in construction and maintenance of process-design kits, including translating measured device behavior into models, design rules, and documentation for circuit designers.

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers

Quantum Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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

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 $160,200 - $261,000 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.

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