Principal Hardware Systems Engineer - Storage

Job ID: 200059349Posted: 2026-10-02Location: 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: 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 are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Principal Hardware Systems Engineer - Storage to collaborate with Cloud Hardware Infrastructure Engineering, Azure Engineering, and Exchange Engineering groups to qualify 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 #azurehwjobs  ResponsibilitiesInfluence the architecture of scalable qualification frameworks, validation methodologies, automation infrastructure, and deployment readiness processes for cloud-scale environments.  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 storage and memory 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.  Represent team with OEMs, ODMs, silicon providers, and storage and memory ecosystem partners, assisting with issue debug as necessary.  Champion engineering excellence through data-driven decision making, technical reviews, risk management, and continuous improvement of qualification processes.  Guide team members on as-needed basis, be decisive, with the ability to adapt to change and competing demands QualificationsRequired Qualifications: Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ 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.   Preferred Qualifications: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage leadership audiencesKnowledge of server system and storage architectureFamiliar with networking, power, rack management and remote access environmentsExperience integrating and validating hardware components and/or system levelsFamiliar 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  Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience5+ years of experience in hardware system validation (planning, documentation, development, execution, and debug)Knowledge of system memory architecture and validation Familiar with networking, power, rack management and remote access environmentsKnowledge of storage & system memory architecture and validationFamiliarity with scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, or Perl, and developing routines to support debugging and accelerate data collection and data reduction through automationAbility to collaborate effectively within a team, across internal organizations, and with industry partners, including OEMs and ODMs, while providing technical leadership to drive successful product development8+ years of experience in hardware validation, including planning, documentation, development, execution, and debugging5+ years of experience integrating hardware components(including storage) at server system levelHardware 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.