Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum Hardware)

MicrosoftRedmond, WA,US, map[@type:Country name:US]full timePrincipal
Activeverified Jun 12, 2026

Job description

Drive Program Execution: Lead end-to-end program management for pivotal quantum hardware initiatives, overseeing concept, design, prototyping, validation, scaling, and delivery in close partnership with system architects, research scientists, and hardware engineers. Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Drive alignment across quantum device physics, high-speed electronics, cryoelectronics, materials science, hardware control, manufacturing, supply chain, integration, and cloud hardware operations to deliver reliable, scalable hardware solutions. Risk Management: Identify, monitor, and mitigate technical, scheduling, and operational risks throughout program execution, applying continuous improvement in response to lessons learned and evolving technology trends. Agile Delivery: Oversee Agile processes and ceremonies, promote transparency through regular reviews and updates, and proactively remove obstacles to ensure timely delivery of critical milestones. Customer Focus: Incorporate feedback from internal and pilot customers—including researchers, manufacturing partners, Azure Quantum platform teams, and potential U.S. Government customers—to guide improvements in hardware and processes. 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). Bachelor's Degree AND 6+ years experience in quantum information, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, hardware systems, engineering, or related technical fields OR equivalent experience 3+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects. Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation). 10+ years of experience managing multi-year, highly complex hardware product portfolios involving deep-tech or "first-of-a-kind" technologies (e.g., quantum systems, neutral atoms, ASICs, photonics, advanced chip packaging, cryoelectronics, or high-reliability hardware). Deep knowledge of the hardware product development lifecycle, with demonstrated ability to oversee complex programs spanning R&D, system integration, new technology introduction, and technology transfer from R&D into scaled engineering and manufacturing, including developing and auditing hardware quality systems and test protocols. Direct experience with quantum device development, quantum error correction, or quantum measurement/control hardware, or other advanced hardware R&D domains. Experience working with semiconductor, electronics, or advanced materials supply chains, contract manufacturers, and R&D foundries, and demonstrated success leading external research, university, government, or consortia partnerships (e.g., DARPA, NIST, or top-tier university labs) in advanced hardware or scientific domains. Demonstrated ability to perform in fast-paced, matrixed product development environments using program management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Azure DevOps, or similar) to support data-driven decision making, issue and risk tracking, schedule management, executive-level reporting, and clear communication of complex technical concepts to executive audiences and non-technical stakeholders. 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