Principal Sourcing Engineer, Semiconductor Backend

Job ID: 200043048Posted: 2026-08-19Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $142,800 - $274,800 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 3 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Hardware EngineeringDiscipline: Sourcing EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft’s Cloud business is expanding, and the Cloud Supply Chain (CSCP) organization is responsible for enabling the hardware infrastructure underlying this growth including AI! CSCP’s vision is to empower customers to achieve more by delivering Cloud and AI capabilities at scale. Our mission is to deliver the world's computer with an industry-leading supply chain. The CSCP organization is responsible for traditional supply chain functions such as plan, source, make, deliver, but also manages supportability (spares), sustainability, and decommissioning of datacenter assets worldwide. We deliver the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's over 200 online businesses including Bing, MSN, Office 365, Xbox Live, OneDrive and the Microsoft Azure platform for external customers. Our infrastructure is supported by more than 300 datacenters around the world that enable services for more than 1 billion customers in over 90 countries.The Cloud Sourcing, Security and Sustainability (CS3) organization within CSCP manages sourcing, strategy, and suppliers to provide cost, flexibility, and supply advantages that enable our org to become a world-class supply chain. Well-defined and executed sourcing and supply chain management ensures reliable, on-time performance and optimized cost, prevents urgent and unplanned investments, and provides accurate and timely information across the supply base and internally across the infrastructure organization. Our focus is on smart growth, high efficiency, and delivering a trusted experience to customers and partners worldwide. 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.#CSCP #CSCPJobsResponsibilitiesWe are seeking a high-caliber sourcing Director to join the Custom Silicon Sourcing team. This role will lead Microsoft’s sourcing strategy for backend semiconductor manufacturing partners including OSAT, Substrate, and Test solution providers. We are seeking a senior level candidate who will be accountable for Sourcing in support of Microsoft’s custom silicon development for Cloud hardware including Cobalt and MAIA. This person will be instrumental in developing long term sourcing strategies and executing against them. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in semiconductor manufacturing backend processes and will build long-lasting, strategic partnerships with the supply base, internal stakeholders, and position Microsoft for sustained success. Play a pivotal role in Microsoft’s evolving silicon strategy to drive competitive advantages for Microsoft’s hardware. Develop sourcing strategy for OSAT, Substrate, and Test suppliers working across Azure Hardware Systems & Infrastructure teams as well as partnerships with product engineering teams on technology alignment and delivery of cutting-edge solutions. Lead engagement with custom silicon partners, both internally and externally, to deliver cutting edge silicon solutions towards multiple future projects in development. Foster partnerships with suppliers of custom silicon technology and build high performing relationships with their senior leadership. Be responsible for cost negotiation and continuity of supply and partner with planning and materials team to optimize the supply chain. Negotiate supply and commercial terms that drive advantage for Microsoft. Ensure supplier selection process and component qualification meet all engineering and business requirements. Develop supplier capabilities and drive roadmap alignment across Microsoft’s hardware businesses. Achieve established commitments on total cost, supplier quality, compliance adherence, and on-time delivery. Mitigate continuity of supply risk and develop key escalation channels across supply base Drive change management to continuously improve efficiency and performance via repeatable business processes.QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Master's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field AND 6+ years experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, engineering, operations, or relevant sales-related roles OR Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field AND 8+ years experience in procurement, supply chain, sourcing, engineering, operations, or relevant sales-related roles 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.Preferred Qualifications:At least 10+ years of experience in sourcing from OSAT, Substrate, and Test providers. Engineering degree, preferably Computer, Electrical or Physics disciplines. MBA desirable Understanding of silicon design, process, physical signaling and packaging technologies Existing relationships with senior leadership managing OSAT, Substrate, and Test manufacturing partners. Ability to drive alignment with hardware and engineering. Experience leading complex silicon projects, defining Statement of Work, negotiating design contracts Self-motivated with superior problem-solving skills, analytical capabilities, and attention to detail. Ability to partner with internal and external engineering teams to build credibility and trust while driving alignment around common strategy. Expertise in market analysis to determine market size, players, customers, growth, technology roadmaps, pricing trends, etc., to formulate sourcing strategies.Experience in should cost modelling for silicon and packaging. Mapping process technology nodes and perform PPAC (Power, Performance, Area and Cost) analysis. Experience in custom silicon supply chain, supplier selection process and evaluation of custom silicon suppliers cross functionally based on internal KPIs.Demonstrated ability to think strategically but detailed oriented to support hypothesis with facts Executive presence and advanced leadership capabilities Ability to clearly articulate points of view with executive managementSourcing 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.