Principal Technical Program Manager (Quantum Hardware)

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. 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 (Quantum Hardware), 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 are a deeply experienced 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 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. Strategic Planning & Roadmapping: Partner with program management leadership, engineering teams, and executive stakeholders to build and maintain a clear hardware platform roadmap—aligning milestones, resources, schedules, and risks to Microsoft Quantum's long-term goals. 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. Supplier & Partner Engagement: Manage relationships with external foundries, research laboratories, equipment vendors, and strategic partners—establishing clear requirements and ensuring compliance with Microsoft's standards for quality, safety, and data security. 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. Executive Communication: Develop concise, data-driven reports and executive updates communicating program status, milestones, risks, dependencies, and impact, upholding Microsoft's high standards for stakeholder engagement. Other: Embody our culture and values Qualifications Required/Minimum Qualifications: 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. Other Qualifications: 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 leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation). 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). Evaluate agentic solutions with measurable metrics and humanintheloop safeguards following Microsoft Responsible AI requirements for generative AI. Additional / Preferred Qualifications 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 Technical Program Management IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165,600.00 - $296,400.00 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 $220,800.00 - $331,200.00 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. Insights from previous hires Top skills: Business, Architecture, Analytics, Adoption, Administration, Decision Making, Communication, Python, Diversity, Design Common previous titles: Senior Technical Program Manager, Principal TPM, Director, Program Management, Sr Director, Technical Program Management, Principal Technical Program Manager, Senior Specialist, Senior Technical Advisor, Senior, Learning Manager, Digital Specialist