Principal Azure Storage Validation Architect

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

20h•$142,800 - $304,200

About The Position

Microsoft Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) is the team behind Microsoft’s expanding Cloud Infrastructure and is responsible for powering Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud mission. SCHIE delivers the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft’s cloud and online businesses globally, including Microsoft Azure, M365, Teams, OneDrive, Xbox Live, and other services. As Microsoft’s cloud business continues to grow, the ability to deploy new hardware offerings and infrastructure on time, at scale, with high quality and disciplined cost management is critical. We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Principal Azure Storage Validation Architect to collaborate with Cloud Hardware Infrastructure Engineering, Azure Engineering, and Exchange Engineering groups to qualify memory and storage components for Microsoft Data Center. We are looking for a candidate who can understand components architecture, software applications, and OS environment to create components qualification test plan for both device and system levels. This role will also include writing test software in some cases and debug. At the cutting edge of high-performance computing, provides an opportunity to benefit millions of users daily. The successful candidate must be able to synthesize complex and sometimes conflicting requirements from hardware, software and business teams.

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.
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
5+ years of experience in hardware validation (planning, documentation, development, execution, and debug).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage leadership audiences.
5+ years of experience in hardware system validation (planning, documentation, development, execution, and debug).
Knowledge of server system, system memory, and storage architecture.
Familiar with networking, power, rack management and remote access environments.
Experience integrating and validating hardware components and/or system levels.
Familiar with and able to develop scripts (PowerShell, Python, Perl) and routines to enable debug and accelerate data collection and data reduction via automation.
Self-motivated individuals must be able to work collaboratively in team environment and across internal divisions and industry (OEM, ODM), demonstrate technical leadership in driving successful product development.

Responsibilities

Define and drive Microsoft's memory and storage qualification strategy across current and future Azure server platforms.
Lead the architecture of scalable qualification frameworks, validation methodologies, automation infrastructure, and deployment readiness processes for cloud-scale environments.
Influence component and platform architecture decisions by partnering with engineering, silicon, firmware, operating system, and service teams across Microsoft.
Establish qualification coverage, reliability requirements, usage models, telemetry strategy, and health monitoring frameworks to ensure production readiness at hyperscale.
Drive resolution of the most complex memory and storage issues impacting Azure platform availability, performance, and reliability.
Lead cross-functional investigations involving hardware, firmware, operating systems, drivers, and cloud services to identify root causes and define corrective actions.
Influence supplier roadmaps and engineering investments through strategic engagement with OEMs, ODMs, silicon providers, and storage and memory ecosystem partners.
Champion engineering excellence through data-driven decision making, technical reviews, risk management, and continuous improvement of qualification processes.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship across engineering teams, helping establish best practices and raising organizational capability.