Senior Quantum Software Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 18, 2026.
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. 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, 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.
As a Senior Quantum Software Enginee r in the Developer Tools team, you will help build the tools to advance quantum research & development. This full stack of tools includes quantum-specific languages & compilers, simulators, debuggers & profilers, rich VS Code integration, integration with the latest AI advances, and interactive visuals. The vast majority of our work is open-source code written in Rust, Python, and TypeScript and hosted on GitHub.
You will have an opportunity to grow your skills in quantum computing & algorithms, programming languages & compilers, Rust, LLVM technologies, advanced AI tooling, GPU development, and more. This role is based in our Redmond office and requires a minimum of 60% time in the office.
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
Designing and delivering fast, reliable, and secure components in Rust, Python, and TypeScript that form the backbone of our quantum developer experience
Building language and compiler features for Q#, OpenQASM, QIR, and related technologies that push the boundaries of what programs quantum developers can express.
Creating intuitive, high-impact VS Code integrations that help scientists and engineers work productively with complex quantum systems.
Exploring new ways to integrate cutting-edge AI capabilities into quantum development workflows.
Collaborating closely with experts in quantum chemistry, error correction, control systems, and hardware to design end-to-end solutions that connect research and product.
Engaging with the open-source community, triaging issues, and contributing improvements that help shape the future of the ecosystem.
Other:
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 1+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
- OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 4+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
- 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 work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.
- Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation).
Additional or Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 3+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
- OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 6+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 8+ years software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems
- OR equivalent experience
- 3+ years experience working with languages, compilers, simulators, code editors, or AI integration
- Experience developing in Rust, Python, or web technologies (HTML & CSS)
- Knowledge of quantum computing fundamentals or related mathematics (e.g., complex linear algebra)
- Familiarity with quantum development stacks (e.g., QDK, Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane, CUDA-Q, etc.)
- Experience developing code for GPUs
- Background working with LLVM IR or compiler infrastructure
- 4+ years programming experience in related programming languages
- 4+ years experience in a collaborative environment.
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.