Principal Technical Program Manager

Job description

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.

 Our team comprises 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 a transformative technology.

As the **Principal** **Technical Program Manager (TPM)** in the Quantum 1st Party Hardware TPM team, you will play a critical leadership role in advancing the development of Microsoft’s quantum hardware infrastructure.

You will orchestrate cross-functional engineering initiatives, shape the direction of cutting-edge device research and development, and ensure robust execution across internal and external partners, all while aligning to Microsoft’s core values of growth mindset, innovation, and inclusion.

You will be a seasoned technical program manager with a dedicated passion for customer focused solutions, insight and industry knowledge to envision and implement future technical solutions that will manage and optimize our scalable Quantum solution for our 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 (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/corporate-values) and Values (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/culture)

**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 large-scale, interdisciplinary hardware technology projects from concept to delivery, including system integration, cross-functional team leadership, and coordination across multiple teams.
+ Deep knowledge of hardware product development lifecycle, with demonstrated ability to oversee complex programs involving R&D and new technology introduction.Proficiency in program management methodologies, including Agile, Azure DevOps, or similar frameworks.Proven data-driven decision making, issue tracking, schedule management, and reporting skills.
+ Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and appropriately at all organization levels, including executive audiences and non-technical stakeholders, and to work effectively in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and ambiguous environment.

**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:**

+ Advanced degree (M.Sc., Ph.D.) in a relevant field (e.g., quantum information, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, hardware systems), or equivalent applied experience in quantum or cryogenic hardware programs.

+ 10+ years’ experience managing multi-year, highly complex hardware product portfolios involving deep tech or “first-of-a-kind” technology (e.g., quantum systems, ASICs, photonics, advanced chip packaging, cryoelectronic, or high-reliability hardware).

+ Direct experience with quantum device development, quantum error correction, or quantum measurement/control hardware.

+ Demonstrated success leading external research, university, government, or consortia partnerships (e.g., with DARPA, NIST, or top-tier university labs) in advanced hardware or scientific domains.

+ Experience managing technology transfer from R&D to scaled engineering and manufacturing, including developing and auditing hardware quality systems and test protocols.

+ Demonstrated ability to perform in a high paced product development environment in a matrixed organization.

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 will accept applications for the role until October 31, 2025.

#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer.

Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .

Required Skill Profession

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