Electrical Engineer

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I), within Datacenter Engineering (DCE), is seeking a Subject Matter Expert Electrical Engineer to help deliver core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft's cloud business. The role provides technical input to other organizations and stakeholders and focuses on the technical review, analysis, and coordination of complex datacenter electrical systems, associated controls, power distribution, backup power, and overall topology. The position covers new datacenter buildouts, leased and colocation facilities, special projects, retrofits, and upgrades. The engineer collaborates with global and local engineering teams, design and delivery teams, operations, contractors, suppliers, consultants, manufacturers, and procurement. The role oversees electrical design from Basis of Design through Issue for Construction and across procurement, bidding, manufacturing, delivery, installation, and commissioning. It also supports operations troubleshooting, construction teams, and technical direction to vendors and staff augmentation teams. Remote site support is part of the role. This position requires a relevant engineering degree or equivalent experience and substantial technical engineering experience. Preferred qualifications include additional experience, professional engineering registration, and expertise with datacenter electrical systems, codes, analysis software, and design tools. The role requires the ability to meet Microsoft and relevant customer or government screening requirements, including Microsoft Cloud Background Check and verification of U.S. citizenship. The typical U.S. base pay range is USD $119,800–$234,700 per year. For specified locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metropolitan area, the range is USD $160,200–$261,000 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Requirements

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field and 3+ years of technical engineering experience; or bachelor's degree in one of these fields and 5+ years of technical engineering experience; or equivalent experience.
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
Verification of U.S. citizenship to meet federal government security requirements.
Strong analytical, structured-thinking, and logical reasoning skills; ability to manage concurrent projects and remain focused under pressure.
Customer-service focus and ability to communicate with highly technical management teams.
Preferred experience includes at least 3 years as a lead engineer in the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of large-scale, complex electrical engineering systems.
Written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain high quality standards.
Detailed understanding of uninterruptible power sources, diesel generators, electrical switchgear, power distribution units, and automatic/static transfer switches.
Detailed understanding of relays, protection schemes, high-voltage distribution systems, power and distribution transformers, earthing, and switching.
Excellent knowledge of building codes and regulations.
Experience designing, operating, and commissioning electrical distribution systems from high voltage (HV) to branch circuits.
Ability to lead engineers in advanced engineering and operational processes and procedures for large datacenter environments.
Ability to perform complex business-case analysis to justify technical decisions.
Action-oriented approach and ability to balance responsibilities across business operations, communications, executive management, and culture.

Nice To Haves

Preferred education and experience: master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field and 6+ years of technical engineering experience; or bachelor's degree in one of these fields and 8+ years of technical engineering experience; or equivalent experience.
Registered Professional Engineer in Electrical Engineering.
Knowledge of mechanical and control systems related to datacenter environments.
Experience with power-system analysis and engineering software packages.
Familiarity with ground-up construction and greenfield and brownfield site development requirements.
Experience using Bluebeam Revu and associated products.
Expertise with AutoCAD and 3D BIM programs such as AutoCAD or Revit.

Responsibilities

Manage, review, and coordinate delivery of complex datacenter electrical systems, power distribution systems, and backup power systems.
Ensure consultants adhere to Microsoft standards and conduct technical reviews and analyses of leased and colocation datacenters from external providers for compliance with Microsoft requirements.
Review electrical infrastructure designs for leased datacenter buildouts, special projects, and retrofit upgrades, and address issues arising during construction.
Assess existing facilities for compliance with Microsoft standards.
Collaborate with the Global Electrical Team to develop datacenter electrical designs from Basis of Design (BOD) through Issue for Construction (IFC).
Lead, guide, and oversee consultants designing and coordinating electrical systems with other disciplines, including associated power requirements and overall electrical topology.
Lead electrical workgroups involving consulting firms and Microsoft stakeholders, and conduct cross-functional meetings across multiple projects.
Oversee power-system designs throughout design, equipment procurement, bidding, manufacturing, delivery, and onsite installation.
Resolve issues raised by construction teams and stakeholders.
Work with procurement, manufacturers, and global and local engineering teams to provide project-specific electrical solutions.
Develop specifications and drawings, detail electrical-system sequences of operation, and create comprehensive documentation of electrical topology.
Assist Operations with troubleshooting electrical failures and work with operations personnel and equipment vendors to resolve issues.
Assist in commissioning and validate system performance, quality, and reliability.
Provide technical direction to vendors, including professional electrical engineers, and guidance to staff augmentation teams, including A/Es and A/E consultants.
Support retrofits and upgrades of existing facilities and provide remote support to construction sites.
Partner with engineering design, delivery, and operations teams, contractors, and suppliers.
Manage concurrent projects while maintaining organization and focus under pressure; communicate effectively with technical management teams and apply analytical, structured, and creative problem-solving skills.