Senior Azure Storage Validation Architect

Job ID: 200055510Posted: 2026-09-25Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $119,800 - $234,700 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 3 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Hardware EngineeringDiscipline: Hardware EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft 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 seek a knowledgeable and experienced system memory & storage senior engineer 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.#SCHIE #CHSE #azurehwjobsResponsibilities· 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.QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.Other Requirements: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. This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations.  As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate’s citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable. Preferred Qualifications:5+ years of experience in hardware validation (planning, documentation, development, execution, and debug)Knowledge of server system, system memory, and storage architectureFamiliar with networking, power, rack management and remote access environmentsExperience 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 automationSelf-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.5+ years of experience in hardware system validation (planning, documentation, development, execution, and debug)Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage leadership audiences.Hardware Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.