Overview
Microsoft Quantum team is dedicated to developing the first scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer and is leading progress in areas ranging from quantum hardware and error correction to comprehensive integration with Azure. We are an accomplished and diverse international team focused on constructing a scalable quantum computing system. Our full-stack strategy encompasses breakthrough developments, spanning the physics of quantum devices to scalable readout and control infrastructures powered by cryo-electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program aims to transform the future of computing and tackle challenges that are currently beyond reach. We are entering a pivotal phase of accelerated growth in quantum computing, and this position presents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to transformative technology.
As the Principal Hardware Technical Program Manager (TPM) on the Quantum 1st Party Hardware TPM team, you'll take on a key leadership position to advance Microsoft's quantum hardware infrastructure. In this role, you'll oversee cross-functional engineering projects, guide pioneering device research and development, and ensure strong execution both internally and with external partners—all while upholding Microsoft's core values of growth mindset, innovation, and inclusion. You will manage functional requirement design and project coordination for the feature team, and dive into technical aspects when necessary. This position calls for an experienced technical program manager with a passion for customer-driven solutions, along with insight and industry expertise to envision and deliver future technical capabilities that will scale and optimize our Quantum solutions for 1st Party customers.
This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of quantum hardware innovation. You will collaborate with leading physicists, quantum theorists, quantum experimentalists, research engineers, systems engineers, technical program managers, supply chain experts, cloud architects, and external partners to accelerate the scale-up of topological qubits and quantum systems that unlock unprecedented scientific and business value. If you are energized by complex program management challenges, thrive in ambiguity, and have a passion for foundational technologies that redefine what’s possible, we invite you to join us and help shape the future of quantum computing.
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
- Program Management: Lead all phases of quantum hardware projects, from concept to delivery, working closely with architects, scientists, and engineers for success. Create concise, data-driven updates on program status, risks, dependencies, and impact for stakeholders and senior executives.
- Planning & Roadmapping: Coordinate with leadership and engineering teams to build and maintain clear development roadmaps, align milestones, manage resources, and support long-term goals. Guide Agile processes, encourage transparency, and remove obstacles to meet critical deadlines.
- Team Coordination: Ensure effective collaboration across device physics, cryoelectronic, materials science, manufacturing, supply chain, integration, and cloud hardware operations for scalable solutions.
- Customer Feedback: Use input from internal and pilot customers to improve hardware and processes. This includes potential customers from US Government.
- Risk Mitigation: Identify and reduce risks in technology, scheduling, and operations, applying continuous improvement throughout.
- Supplier Relations: Manage external partnerships, enforce quality and safety standards, and drive cross-company compliance.
- Culture & Mentorship: Foster respect, collaboration, integrity, inclusivity, and continuous learning within the team.
- Other: Embody our Culture and Values
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree AND 6+ years experience in engineering, physics or a related STEM field, product/technical program management, data analysis, or product development
- OR equivalent experience.
- 3+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.
- 3+ years of experience managing large-scale, interdisciplinary hardware technology projects from concept to delivery, including system integration, cross-functional team leadership, and coordination across multiple teams.
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 proof of citizenship, 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 apply AI to accelerate engineering and lab workflows. 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).
- Ability to evaluate agentic solutions with measurable metrics and humanintheloop safeguards following Microsoft Responsible AI requirements for generative AI.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD/Doctorate in a relevant field (e.g., quantum information, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, hardware systems) and 12+ years of applied engineering experience in quantum computing and/or cryogenic hardware programs, or equivalent experience.
- 12+ years managing multi-year, highly complex hardware product portfolios involving deep tech and/or first-of-a-kind technologies (e.g., quantum systems, ASICs, FPGA, advanced chip packaging, cryoelectronics, high-reliability hardware).
- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, cross-functional, cross-organization hardware systems programs end-to-end (R&D through new technology introduction), with strong program management fundamentals (planning, issue/risk tracking, schedule management, and stakeholder reporting) and proficiency with Agile and Azure DevOps (or similar).
- Direct experience with one or more of: quantum device development, quantum error correction, or quantum measurement/control hardware.
- Experience driving external partnerships (universities/government/consortia) and technology transfer from R&D to scaled engineering/manufacturing (including quality systems and test protocols), along with proven ability to lead teams in a matrixed environment and communicate complex technical concepts across levels (including executive and non-technical stakeholders).
Technical Program Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $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
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.
