Senior / Principal Quantum Error Correction Engineer

Microsoft; København; On-site; DKK 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Microsoft is seeking a senior engineer to design and develop infrastructure for evaluating fault-tolerance strategies in quantum computing. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to advance quantum error correction and qubit architectures, contributing to practical, scalable quantum systems.

The role emphasizes collaboration with theorists and experimentalists, applying AI to accelerate engineering, and leveraging HPC for large-scale simulations.

Qualifications

• Doctorate or Master's/Bachelor's with proven software industry experience in related field and multi-component systems.
• Formal experience in quantum error correction and fault-tolerance research and development.
• Hands-on experience with modeling and analyzing circuit-level noise in quantum circuits.
• Ability to apply AI to accelerate engineering and develop prototype code.
• Experience in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop infrastructure to evaluate fault-tolerance strategies for quantum computing systems.

Skills

Quantum error correction

Fault-tolerant computing

Noise modeling

Python

C/C++

AI in engineering

Education

Doctorate in Computer Science/Software Engineering/Physics or related field

Master's Degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering/Mathematics/Physics/Physical Sciences

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering/Mathematics/Physics/Physical Sciences

Tools

HPC

Scientific computing

Job description

Design and develop infrastructure to evaluate fault-tolerance strategies for quantum computing systems, working in close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of theorists and experimentalists. Advance the implementation of quantum error correction codes, contributing to the development of both logical and physical qubit architectures. Empower research and experimentation aimed at building scalable, resilient quantum computers capable of delivering practical value. Engage in creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration to overcome technical challenges in quantum system design. Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and technical excellence. Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND proven software industry experience, including developing 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 demonstrated software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems Formal experience in quantum error correction and quantum fault-tolerance research and development environment. Hands-on experience with modeling and analyzing circuit-level noise in quantum circuits. Ability to apply AI to accelerate engineering while developing shipping & prototype code. Ability to leverage AI tools to drive innovation and efficiency (e.g., performance modeling and analysis, research gathering, day to day task automation). Doctorate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND proven software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, or related field AND proven software industry experience, including developing 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 demonstrated software industry experience, including developing commercial software, compilers, scientific computing applications, or multi-component systems OR equivalent experience. Experience with HPC, scientific programming, and/or computational problems in other areas of mathematics. Detail oriented problem-solving skills. Programming experience in related programming languages like Python, Julia, Mathematica, Rust, or C/C++. Experience in a collaborative environment.

TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs

The structural transition from noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices to fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) represents the primary technical and economic bottleneck for the global quantum industry. Quantum Error Correction (QEC) engineering functions as the essential architectural bridge, enabling the suppression of physical error rates to levels required for scalable, logical computation. Market indicators suggest that organizations successfully integrating robust QEC protocols into their hardware-software stacks will dictate the timeline for commercial quantum advantage. This role type addresses the critical stability requirements of high-value industrial algorithms, ensuring that quantum breakthroughs translate into reliable, enterprise-ready computational utility.

The global quantum ecosystem is currently pivoting from proof-of-concept experimentation toward the rigorous engineering of fault-tolerant systems. This shift is driven by the realization that physical qubit count alone is an insufficient metric for progress; the primary determinant of success is the ability to maintain logical state coherence through advanced error suppression and correction. Workforce analysis reveals a significant scarcity of experts capable of navigating the intersection of quantum information theory and large-scale systems engineering, creating a high-demand tier within the specialized deep-tech labor market.

Macro-level constraints, such as cryogenic cabling complexity and control electronics latency, necessitate a unified approach where error correction is not an afterthought but a foundational design principle. Industry leaders like Microsoft are increasingly focusing on topological and hardware-efficient codes to reduce the physical overhead typically associated with surface codes. This architectural evolution is critical for managing the power and thermal budgets of future quantum data centers, which are projected to be a major component of national strategic infrastructure.

Furthermore, the emergence of hybrid classical-quantum workflows requires QEC architectures that can interface seamlessly with high-performance computing (HPC) environments. As standardization efforts through consortiums like the QED-C continue to mature, the industry is moving toward a more modular value chain. In this environment, the ability to benchmark logical qubit performance across different hardware modalities—from superconducting circuits to trapped ions—becomes a primary lever for investment and adoption.

The capability architecture for this role type centers on the synthesis of quantum noise modeling with high-performance software toolchains. Proficiency in designing infrastructure for fault-tolerance evaluation is paramount for accelerating Technology Readiness Level (TRL) progression across the hardware stack. These engineers facilitate the transition from theoretical code design to empirical implementation, ensuring that logical qubit architectures are optimized for specific physical noise environments. This structural coupling between theory and experimentation is vital for achieving the high-fidelity gates and low-latency decoding cycles necessary for real-time error mitigation.

Advanced competence in simulation environments and AI-augmented engineering further enhances the throughput of quantum research. By leveraging automated task frameworks and performance modeling, these specialists can iterate on complex error-correction cycles significantly faster than traditional methods. This efficiency is critical for maintaining interoperability within a fragmented ecosystem where hardware revisions occur rapidly. Ultimately, these technical capabilities ensure the stability and reliability of the entire quantum stack, from physical gates to logical application layers.

Accelerates the deterministic path toward commercial quantum advantage by bridging the fidelity gap between physical and logical qubits

Mitigates systemic technology risks by developing rigorous benchmarking protocols for fault-tolerant quantum architectures

Facilitates the transition from experimental NISQ devices to scalable, industry-grade fault-tolerant quantum systems

Strengthens national strategic positioning in deep-tech by securing expertise in foundational quantum stability technologies

Reduces the hardware resource overhead required for large-scale error-corrected computation through algorithmic optimization

Enhances the reliability of quantum-classical hybrid systems within high-performance computing infrastructures

Optimizes the lifecycle of quantum hardware through the implementation of noise-aware error suppression strategies

Supports the scaling of quantum adoption by ensuring computational reproducibility across diverse hardware modalities

Shortens the development cycle for logical qubit processors by integrating advanced simulation and AI-driven modeling

Harmonizes abstract quantum information theory with the practical requirements of large-scale systems engineering

Protects long-term R\&D investments by establishing a stable foundation for the next generation of quantum applications

Improves the structural throughput of quantum research teams through the creation of standardized fault-tolerance toolchains

Industry Tags: Quantum Error Correction, Fault-Tolerant Computing, Logical Qubit Architecture, Quantum Information Theory, Systems Engineering, Scalable Quantum Hardware, Noise Modeling, FTQC Roadmap, Quantum Middleware

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