Microsoft Research has been studying quantum computing for several years and has become the world's center of expertise on topological quantum computing. The research effort includes a staff of theoretical physicists and experimental teams around the world.

The Redmond, WA team is building a controls system for quantum computing that is based on a classical computer architecture. The overall system is being developed by a diverse and multi-disciplinary team that includes software and hardware architects as well as physicists and material science experts. The control system is a general-purpose computing platform that can perform complex, high performance computing functions. These systems require the development, implementation, integration, and test of software and hardware systems. We are looking for a Principal Software Development Engineer.

Responsibilities

Lead a software development team to architect and design systems for bare-metal custom hardware verification and bring-up. The team will be hands-on in bare-metal test/verification systems development, bootloader/firmware development, enablement/porting of operating system kernels and device drivers, pre-silicon/post-silicon hardware bring-up, and general porting/prototyping of software for new CPU architecture/technology. Throughout the program you will be collaborating with system architects, design teams, hardware and other software teams for requirements. Work assignments requires an in-depth understanding of debugging both hardware and software issues.

The ideal candidate for this position must be agile and able to adapt to changing conditions and priorities as the program evolves. Such a candidate will need excellent communication and collaboration skills because they will be working with people from many different teams/companies/backgrounds. They must be able to influence others and work cross-functionally to achieve broad goals. They must be able to work independently, show high initiative to solve complex problems and drive for impact and results. A proven track record of successfully managing projects and stakeholders is a primary skill set needed to be successful in this role. Being at the bleeding edge of several computing technologies will mean they should possess a deep desire to learn, understand, master and contribute to the project goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in CS, EE or CE 
• 7+ years of C++ development in a professional environment
• 3+ years experience as a lead
• Database experience
• Experience with creating or porting drivers, firmware, control or operating systems
• Passionate about learning new technologies
• Experience with project tracking and source control
• Self-motivated with an ability to succeed in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
• Preferred understanding of computer architecture concepts with respect to CPUs/ASICs/FPGAs etc

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.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.