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Principal Quantum Systems Architect

Microsoft
15 hours ago
Full-time
On-site
Zürich, ZH
CHF 233,600 - CHF 350,400 CHF yearly

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Microsoft is seeking a Principal Quantum Systems Architect in Zurich to define scalable quantum control and readout architecture at the quantum-classical interface, guiding partitioning across hardware, firmware, microarchitecture and software, and leading collaboration with hardware partners toward production-ready systems. This role shapes platform evolution while driving validation and balancing trade-offs in performance, scalability, power and reliability. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Physics or Engineering (or equivalent with strong industry or R&D experience) and a track record in complex compute or signal-processing architectures, with leadership and familiarity with quantum control concepts. To apply, tailor your resume to show measurable architectural impact, highlight collaboration with partners, and demonstrate comfort with AI tools and modern workflows; ensure you meet security and export controls; open until filled.

Overview
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 of quantum devices through scalable readout and control systems based on cryo‑electronics. The Microsoft Quantum program strives to fundamentally change the world of computing to help solve some of humankind’s currently unsolvable problems. We are on the cusp of an accelerated effort in quantum computing. This position offers an opportunity to have a meaningful influence on a revolutionary technology. For more information about the Microsoft Quantum team, please visit https://quantum.microsoft.com/.
 
We are seeking a Principal Quantum Systems Architect to define the architecture of scalable classical control and readout systems for large-scale quantum computing. This role focuses on system design at the quantum-classical interface, including compute platforms and communication fabrics. This is a strategic technical leadership role, shaping long-term architecture while guiding validation and integration across the stack.
 
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
  • Define the system architecture for scalable quantum control and readout 
  • Drive architectural direction for heterogeneous compute platforms supporting control, measurement, and feedback workloads
  • Establish system partitioning and co-design strategies across hardware, firmware, microarchitecture, software, and quantum systems
  • Lead the collaboration with third-party quantum hardware partners in Europe
  • Lead system-level trade-offs and guide platform evolution toward scalable, production-ready quantum systems
  • Other:


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Doctorate in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND  experience in industry or in a research and development environment
    • Master's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND experience in industry or in a research and development environment
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Engineering, or related field AND experience in industry or in a research and development environment
    • OR equivalent experience.
    • Experience driving architectural trade-offs across performance, scalability, power, and reliability

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.
  • Familiarity with basic AI tools such as Office CoPilot, GitHub CoPilot, or Chat GPT. 
  • Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through both hardware and software development.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proven experience designing complex compute or signal-processing architectures (e.g., SoCs, distributed systems, accelerators, networking fabrics)
  • Proficient understanding of system architecture fundamentals (compute, memory, interconnects, data movement, HW/SW partitioning)
  • Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional hardware/software co-design initiatives 
  • Familiarity with quantum control, readout, or error correction concepts
  • Experience with FPGA, ASIC, or custom accelerator technologies
  • Exposure to cryogenic or constrained computing environments
  • Experience defining scalable architectures for emerging compute platforms

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers

 



Quantum Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across Switzerland is CHF 233,600.00 - CHF 350,400.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/switzerland-corporate-pay.html


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.