Quantum Systems Software Development Engineer II

Microsoft is the world’s center of expertise on topological quantum computing. We are building a scaled, fault‑tolerant quantum computer grounded in topological qubits and integrated end‑to‑end with the Azure Quantum software stack.  As a Quantum Systems Software Development Engineer II in our Quantum Systems organization, you will contribute to the development of software systems used to control, configure, and interface with scientific instruments that operate and measure advanced quantum hardware. This role focuses on building reliable, well‑structured software components primarily in Python, with supporting systems‑level development in languages such as C/C++ that communicate with networked, FPGA‑ and SoC‑based devices using both standardized and proprietary protocols.  Our work sits at the intersection of hardware, software, and physics. You will work closely with experienced software engineers, quantum experimentalists, and hardware partners to help turn evolving research systems into robust, repeatable, and observable instrument platforms, while learning how complex hardware–software systems are developed, tested, and operated.  At Microsoft Quantum, our mission is to empower science and scientists to solve the world’s hardest problems by realizing advanced computing platforms at the intersection of high‑performance computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum information technology.  Learn more at: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/quantum   If you enjoy working on real‑world systems at the hardware–software boundary, learning from cross‑disciplinary teams, and using modern tools (including AI) to improve engineering productivity, we’d love to talk.

Design, implement, and maintain  software used to control and interface with scientific and experimental instruments , including custom control, readout, and related hardware subsystems.   Develop and maintain  Python ‑ based APIs, libraries, and tools  used by experimentalists and automation workflows, while contributing supporting components in systems ‑ level languages as needed.   Translate hardware capabilities, communication protocols, and system constraints into  clean, well ‑ factored software abstractions  with clear ownership boundaries.   Develop software for instruments that communicate over  proprietary, non ‑ VISA protocols , while also supporting standardized interfaces (e.g., VISA/SCPI) where applicable.   Apply  software quality practices  to ensure instrument ‑ control software is reliable, testable, and maintainable, including unit testing, debugging, and validation.   Collaborate  closely with hardware, firmware, and system software engineers during instrument bring ‑ up, integration, and debugging.   Contribute to  shared libraries, patterns, and frameworks  related to instrument control to improve consistency and long ‑ term maintainability.   Embody our  Culture  and  Values   Qualifications Required Qualifications  Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND 1+ year(s) software industry experience, including research and/or development of 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 2+ years software industry experience, including research and/or development of commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience.  2+ years programming experience in related programming languages.  1+ year(s) experience in a collaborative environment.  This position requires verification of citizenship or other protected status to meet legal requirements of the role. If the role requires US citizenship, as indicated in