Principal Structural Engineer

Job ID: 200049745Posted: 2026-08-19Location: 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 Structural Engineer will serve as a Structural 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 structural engineering technical 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 structural design and quality standards are met. The successful candidate will provide structural engineering technical direction, oversight, and design and construction review for new data center designs, builds, leases, retrofits, and renovations in addition to technical support for site selection, due diligence, master planning and permitting. 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.ResponsibilitiesThe Principal Structural 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 structural 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 structural engineering aspects of Microsoft’s data center portfolio. Collaborate with internal Microsoft and external stakeholders to provide structural engineering technical direction to deliver projects aligned with defined structural performance criteria within scope, schedule, and budget.Possess good communication, organization, and leadership skills.Expert structural engineering design proficiency in commercial and industrial architecture and engineering with a primary focus on mission critical data center design. Ablity to 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.QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Master's degree in Civil Engineering or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience. Preferred Qualifications:Professional Engineering license in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on Structural Engineering.Doctorate in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field, AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.Licensure as a Professional Structural Engineer is preferred (or the ability to obtain within 1 year of employment).8+ years’ experience working in mission critical data center or large scale critical facilities structural design.Working knowledge of data center architecture and design principles including designing for different climates and various seismic zones. Experience in researching and developing low embodied carbon structural design solutions. 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 structural design teams, cross-functional design teams, and/or multi-disciplinary project teams.Experience in navigating in Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Bluebeam, and BIM 360 software for design review and development of data center designs. 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.