Senior Mechanical Engineer, AI Systems

Microsoft•Mountain View, CA

About The Position

Microsoft’s Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) team develops the infrastructure and foundational technologies behind Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud. Its Mechanical Engineering team develops server, rack, and infrastructure platforms for Microsoft’s global cloud and AI services, working closely with electrical, thermal, manufacturing, supply chain, and datacenter operations teams. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will contribute to the design and deployment of future high-density, liquid-cooled systems in Azure datacenters. The role leads mechanical design projects from concept through completion, including designing and validating mechanical components, systems, and assemblies. It also involves optimizing performance, reliability, cost, and thermal management; documenting specifications and design decisions; coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and external suppliers; and mentoring engineers. The engineer is expected to consider sustainable materials and reuse of common parts across product generations, and to keep current with developments in mechanical engineering, cloud infrastructure, and datacenter technologies.

Requirements

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; or a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and 3+ years of related technical engineering experience; or a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and 4+ years of related 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.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with CAD software such as PTC Creo and understanding of mechanical design principles, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, manufacturing processes, and validation.
Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, datacenter operations, and related technologies such as server racks, power distribution, cooling systems, and cable management.
Experience with liquid-cooled AI or HPC systems.
Experience developing specifications and interface control documents and managing design requirements.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, including identifying and resolving mechanical design issues and optimizing system performance.

Responsibilities

Lead mechanical design projects from concept to completion and guide a team of engineers in developing solutions for cloud hardware infrastructure.
Create interface control documents and product specifications that communicate design intent.
Design mechanical components, systems, and assemblies using CAD software, and create prototypes for rack-, system-, and component-level testing and validation.
Conduct mechanical analysis, structural simulations, and tests to optimize performance, reliability, cost, and thermal management and meet industry standards.
Conduct design reviews; prepare engineering documentation, test plans, and reports; and ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate mechanical systems, provide technical guidance and mentorship, and foster innovation and continuous improvement.
Work with vendors and suppliers to source components, lead design strategy, develop robust performance predictions, review manufacturing processes, and ensure quality standards.
Evaluate materials and design strategies with attention to sustainable materials and reuse of common parts across generations.
Track advances in mechanical engineering, cloud infrastructure, and datacenter technologies and propose ideas to improve hardware offerings.