Global Datacenter Engineering Principal Architect

Microsoft Corporation•Atlanta, GA

42d

About The Position

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the team behind the cloud.â¯Within CO+I, the Datacenter Engineering (DCE) team is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft's cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world's largest online services. The Principal Architect will serve as a key member of our Technical Excellence organization. This role provides technical leadership, programmatic oversight, and coordinated design direction for architectural, structural, and civil elements across all phases of datacenter delivery including design, permitting, construction, site due diligence, and master planning. The Principal Architect will guide the development of design concepts from inception through implementation, ensuring alignment with Microsoft's technical standards and quality requirements. This position involves close collaboration with internal stakeholders and external A/E consultants and contractors specializing in datacenter builds. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
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 position requires verification of citizenship due to citizenship-based legal restrictions. Specifically, this position supports United States federal, state, and/or local government agency customers and is subject to certain citizenship-based restrictions where required or permitted by applicable law. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
Registered Professional Architect.
Extensive experience in large-scale datacenter/mission critical design, including site selection, due diligence, and master planning.
Demonstrated knowledge of architectural design standards.
Comprehensive knowledge of building codes, safety standards, and industry regulations.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with structured thinking.
Demonstrated communication skills and a customer-focused approach when engaging with technical leadership teams.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and commitment to high-quality standards.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in advanced processes and procedures for large-scale datacenter environments.
Demonstrated capability to manage multiple design efforts with varying timelines while effectively setting and meeting expectations.
Demonstrated ability to perform complex business case analyses to support technical decisions.
Action-oriented mindset with a passion for delivering results quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
Familiarity with ground-up construction and greenfield/brownfield site development requirements.
Experience and working knowledge of land acquisition, seismic zoning, planning, permitting, and development processes.
Ability to balance diverse responsibilities across business rhythms, communications, executive engagement, and organizational culture.
Building Information Modeling/ACC fluency.
SketchUp fluency.
USGBC/LEED credential.

Responsibilities

Lead architectural design efforts for datacenters from concept through implementation.
Demonstrate broad knowledge of zoning, building, and life safety code.
Demonstrate broad understanding of mission critical mechanical and electrical systems.
Provide technical reviews, guidance, and coordinated direction for architectural, structural, and civil components across design, permitting, construction, site selection, due diligence, and master planning.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver comprehensive design solutions aligned with business objectives, schedules, and budgets.
Partner with Global Strategy, Modularization Team, and DCE Operations teams to develop and maintain Base of Design, specifications, and other performance standards for global implementation.
Work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, delivery, operations, contractors, and suppliers to ensure seamless execution.
Manage issues, decisions, and risks while driving initiatives that improve safety, efficiency, quality, and scalability.
Assess operational impacts and address deployment challenges for both Microsoft-owned facilities and leased sites.

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