Systems Hardware Engineer

Microsoft•Redmond, WA

About The Position

Microsoft is a highly innovative company that collaborates across disciplines to produce cutting edge technology that changes our world. The Azure Silicon Cloud Hardware and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) team is seeking a highly motivated hardware systems engineer to work in a team of other hardware and software developers to create systems and modules to be deployed in Microsoft’s Azure Cloud. Microsoft provides ample opportunities for developers to have an impact on products that touch the lives of millions of users daily, in a cutting-edge public cloud environment. As a Systems Engineering team member, you will work directly with engineers across cross-functional teams and deliver hardware designs from concept to data center deployment. Responsibilities will include interacting directly with Microsoft’s services teams, cross-discipline design teams focusing on the functional interfaces, developing test cases, setting up systems, debugging issues, and qualifying the designs. This is an opportunity to leverage and grow your existing hardware design/validation experience and provide innovative E2E hardware solutions to Microsoft Cloud. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field OR Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field AND 2+ years of technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
2+ years of experience in server systems or platform design and development within enterprise or cloud environments.
2+ years of experience with server hardware architecture, including understanding of hardware/firmware/OS interfaces.
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.

Nice To Haves

Proven technical communication skills (verbal and written) to interface with cross-functional technical leads within and/or outside of the organization.
Experience evaluating OEM hardware designs, including understanding platform configuration trade-offs and performance tuning.
Knowledge of standard server interfaces (e.g., PCIe, SATA, memory subsystems) is preferred
Experience with server platform hardware validation, system firmware testing methodologies, and platform-level test architecture is preferred.
Hands-on experience using hardware and firmware debug tools (e.g., ITP, Arium, ARM/JTAG).
Experience debugging complex system‑level issues, identifying root cause, and proposing fixes across hardware, firmware, and OS boundaries is preferred.
Experience in volume hardware test and debug environments, including performance benchmarking and analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

Run System Validation and SKU Qualification on cutting edge Cobalt servers
Lead in cross-boundary issue triage, debug, and resolution.
Be part of the concept design discussions, gather node/rack system level requirements, clarify interfaces, provide feedback into future design requirements to help develop robust and high-performance cloud hardware solutions.
Architect cloud test scenarios and guide software engineers to automate test flows.
Work with ODMs, other system engineers, internal design teams and customers to develop validation execution plans for new technologies and MSFT IP features.
Developing quality criteria for different phases of programs
Work with ODMs, Silicon vendors, component suppliers and internal design teams on cross-boundary triaging, debugging, and resolving issues.
Review system engineering and validation coverage throughout the lifecycle of the program and publish plan vs. progress reports.
Develop node/rack system level test cases, test requirements against system level requirements and verify them for functionality at node/rack level.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure systems meet significant quality, reliability, and service level requirements for a cloud environment.
Architect cloud test scenarios and guide software engineers to automate test flows.
Create collateral for customer support, both internal and external, from novice to expert.