Principal Sourcing Engineer

Job ID: 200053832Posted: 2026-09-15Location: 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: MicrosoftOverviewJoin the Microsoft Devices Operations (MDO) team in Redmond, WA as a Principal Sourcing Engineer, where you'll lead sourcing strategies for memory components across consumer electronics platforms. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to shape supplier relationships, drive strategic sourcing initiatives, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver innovative and resilient hardware solutions.We are looking for a sourcing leader with deep technical and market knowledge in ICs, memory, and chipsets, who thrives in fast-paced environments and can navigate ambiguity with clarity and confidence.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.ResponsibilitiesSupplier Engagement & NegotiationBuild and maintain strategic relationships with memory suppliers up to SVP levels.Influence technology through industry consortiums and supplier engagements to influence technology used across Microsoft Devices.Technology & Market AnalysisMonitor DRAM and NAND technology roadmaps and market trends.Assess competitive positioning and qualification timelines for emerging memory technologies.Collect industry trends and drive internal alignment through Microsoft's technology roadmap. Qualification & Spec ManagementDrive qualification of new memory components across multiple suppliers.Rationalize specifications and reduce redundant testing to accelerate time-to-market. Cost OptimizationAnalyze cost structures and identify opportunities and projects to optimize for cost without compromising quality.Risk MitigationPlan and implement resiliency strategies to secure supply and mitigate risks.Process ImprovementImplement process optimization initiatives for sourcing workflows. Leverage tools and analytics to improve efficiency and decision-making.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.Preferred Qualifications:Semiconductor & Memory Industry experience.Deep understanding of DRAM, NAND, SSD technologies, including roadmaps and qualification processes.Ability to analyze supplier capabilities, cost structures, and capacity planning. Knowledge of global memory supply chain trends and risk factors (e.g., geopolitical, seasonal, financial). Sourcing Strategy Development. Experience creating multi-year sourcing strategies aligned with cost, quality, and sustainability goals. Negotiation & Contract Management.Skilled in structuring LTAs, volume frameworks, and price/mix strategies. Risk Management.Analytical & Process Skills.Cost Modeling & Should-Cost Analysis.Ability to perform TCO trade-offs and competitive benchmarking. Data-Driven Decision Making.Solid analytical skills for interpreting market signals and supplier performance metrics. Cross-Functional Collaboration.Effective communication with engineering, finance, and leadership teams. Executive-Ready Communication. Ability to translate technical constraints into business outcomes for key stakeholders. Program Management Fundamentals.Skills in documentation, stakeholder alignment, and driving process optimization initiatives. Prior roles in memory sourcing, semiconductor product management, or supplier engagement. Familiarity with sourcing analytics platforms and ERP systems.#W+DJOBSSourcing 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.