Principal Geotechnical Engineer

Job ID: 200049111Posted: 2026-08-18Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $142,800 - $274,800 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 0 days / week in-office – remoteRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Hardware EngineeringDiscipline: Hardware EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Data Center Engineering (DCE) team is responsible for delivering core data center infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The Microsoft portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year data center 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. 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.The Principal Geotechnical Engineer will serve as a Geotechnical Subject Matter Expert (SME) on data center programming, design development, design, construction administration, renovations, retrofits, master planning, site due diligence, and operations-related technical design guidance and support. This position will provide geotechnical engineering direction and oversight for AMERS-region data center designs and will engage with key Microsoft stakeholders, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), and external A/E consultant teams and general contractors that specialize in data center designs and builds to ensure that Microsoft’s data center design and quality standards are met.The Principal Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for the facilitation and delivery of Microsoft’s industry-leading data center designs including the development of innovative technology and advanced geotechnical design concepts to be used as the basis for current and next generation data center designs, retrofits, and renovations. This role will provide technical direction, decision-making, and overall technical leadership for all geotechnical engineering aspects of Microsoft’s data center portfolio within the AMER region. 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. ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with internal Microsoft and external stakeholders to provide geotechnical engineering technical direction to deliver projects aligned with defined geotechnical performance criteria within scope, schedule, and budget.Collaborate with internal stakeholders and partner teams to establish regional and global geotechnical performance standards for new data center designs.Possess good communication, organization, and leadership skills.Expert geotechnical engineering design proficiency in commercial and industrial architecture and engineering with a primary focus on mission critical data center design. Abilityto work with other technical and non-technical groups in a fast-paced environment and do so with an even temperament and a results-oriented collaborative manner. Be methodical and detailed-oriented.Be a competent subject matter expert and able to complete the following tasks: review site investigations/field data to provide a technical opinion on the site geological conditionprovide recommendations during land acquisition on risks that are associated with the site subsurface conditionsreview the Geotechnical report in various phases of the design process and provide technical feedback to the AEsreview ground improvement solutions proposed by the GC and provide technical guidance and recommendationscoordinate with the Structural engineer to establish and review foundation recommendations provided by the AEestablish Microsoft’s Geotechnical program for the AMER regiondrive technical solutions based on current market options, emerging technologies, and evaluate new trends and technologieswork with the construction team and AE to address construction issues that may arise pertaining to subsurface conditionsQualificationsRequired QualificationsMaster's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience. Preferred QualificationsProfessional Engineering license in Geotechnical Engineering.Doctorate in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.8+ years’ experience working in mission critical data center or large scale critical facilities.Working knowledge of data center architecture and design principles including designing for different climates and various seismic zones. Experience in ground improvement methods Ability to lead teams of engineers in advanced engineering and operational processes and procedures as they relate to large hyperscale data centers and campus environments.Experience managing geographically diverse teams, cross-functional design teams, and/or multi-disciplinary project teams.Experience in navigating in Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Bluebeam, and/or BIM 360 software for design review.Background Check 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.#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareersHardware Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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.