Microsoft Quantum is developing next-generation quantum hardware systems. We are hiring a Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer to develop custom mechanical and electromechanical systems used in advanced fabrication and experimental environments.
This role focuses on industrial machine design and build, with responsibility across the full lifecycle: concept → design → build → test → iteration → deployment.
Experience with vacuum or UHV systems is a strong advantage, but not a requirement.
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.
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
- Own development of custom mechanical and electromechanical systems end-to-end, from concept through deployment
- Define system requirements, architecture, and design approaches aligned with functional and operational needs
- Design precision mechanisms, motion systems, and assemblies using CAD tools and engineering analysis methods
- Perform structural and thermal assessments where required to support design decisions
- Assemble, integrate, test, and debug mechanical systems hands-on, driving systems to stable and reliable operation
- Iterate designs based on test results and operational feedback to improve performance, robustness, and usability
- Specify, source, and integrate components and subsystems, collaborating with suppliers where necessary
- Work across a range of system scales including mechanisms, subsystems, and larger integrated equipment
- Generate documentation including drawings, design specifications, and test plans to support system development and reuse
- Embody our culture and values
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND demonstrated technical engineering experience
- OR Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND proven technical engineering experience
- OR equivalent experience
- Strong experience in industrial mechanical design and build of custom equipment
- Proven hands-on experience with assembly, integration, and debugging of physical systems
- Experience with precision machinery, automation systems, or complex mechanical equipment
- Solid CAD skills (e.g., SolidWorks or similar)
- Ability to operate across the full development lifecycle, not only design
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 leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation).
- Ability to work in an “AI-first” environment using modern AI tools to accelerate discovery through hardware development.
- Evaluate agentic solutions with measurable metrics and humanintheloop safeguards following Microsoft Responsible AI requirements for generative AI.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with vacuum or UHV systems
- Experience with motion systems and multi-axis mechanisms
- Experience with thermal or structural analysis (FEA)
- Exposure to automation systems, PLCs, or basic scripting
#Quantum #QuantumCareers #MDQCareers
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.