Microsoft

Principal AI Network Technical Lead

Microsoft • $142K — $274K *
Austin, TX 78745In-Person
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering or related field with 7+ years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree with 8+ years.
  • Ability to meet Microsoft security screening requirements, including background checks and export control regulations.
  • 10+ years of experience in networking, AI infrastructure, or large-scale system architecture (preferred).
  • 10+ years in system design/implementation across hardware development (preferred).
  • Proven track record in delivering AI and GPU-based systems to production (preferred).

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end development and maintenance of AI scale-up switch platforms.
  • Drive technical specifications for network switches based on AI workloads.
  • Lead vendor selection and engagement strategies for switch hardware.
  • Oversee switch hardware development including ASICs and connectivity solutions.
  • Develop next-generation optical scale-up technologies and solutions.
  • Collaborate with software teams on system integration and operational processes.
  • Direct system validation, integration, and production readiness activities.

Benefits

  • Access to advanced AI technologies and platforms at Microsoft.
  • Opportunities to lead cross-functional teams on innovative projects.
  • Engagement in high-impact work that contributes to cutting-edge AI solutions.
  • Potential for continuous learning and professional development in a tech-forward environment.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end development, validation, deployment, and sustaining of Microsoft's AI scale-up switch platforms.


  • Drive network switch requirements, specifications, and technical decisions based on AI workload and system requirements.


  • Lead switch vendor selection, RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, technical evaluations, and supplier engagement strategy.


  • Own switch hardware development including ASICs, SerDes, retimers, connectors, SI/PI, mechanical, thermal, and power design.


  • Drive development of next-generation optical scale-up solutions including OCI, XPO, CPO, fiber management, and optical interconnect technologies.


  • Partner with software teams on SONiC, control plane, telemetry, diagnostics, fleet management, and operational readiness.


  • Lead switch bring-up, validation, DVT/PVT, system integration, qualification, and production readiness activities.


  • Own integration of scale-up switches into compute racks, switch racks, pods, and AI clusters.


  • Drive ODM/JDM development models and manage technical engagement with switch vendors, ODMs, and ecosystem partners.


  • Lead cross-functional teams spanning networking, systems, silicon, optics, firmware, software, operations, and manufacturing.


  • Drive system-level optimization across performance, reliability, serviceability, manufacturability, power, cost, and time-to-market.


  • Serve as the technical lead for Microsoft's next-generation AI scale-up switch solutions and networking platforms.


Qualifications

Required 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 is required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screening:


    • Microsoft Cloud Background Check. This position is required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.
  • This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export-controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • 10+ years of experience in networking, AI infrastructure, or large-scale system architecture.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in system (compute, storage, networking, and/or accelerator) level design and/or implementation across the hardware development lifecycle.
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in server hardware architecture, design, and development with solid understanding of hardware, firmware, and Operating System (OS).
  • Proven experience delivering AI and GPU-based systems to production.
  • Experience developing high-performance network switches, AI fabrics, or hyperscale networking solutions.
  • Deep understanding of scale-up and scale-out networks, Ethernet switching, RDMA/RoCE, and SONiC.
  • Knowledge of switch ASICs, 112G/224G SerDes, PAM4, retimers, PHYs, and high-speed interconnects.
  • Experience with optical networking technologies such as OCI, XPO, CPO, OBO, and DR optics.
  • Experience leading hardware development from architecture through validation and production.
  • Familiarity with rack-scale systems, power, thermal, reliability, and serviceability design.
  • Experience working with ODM/JDM partners and external suppliers.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams across hardware, firmware, software, and systems engineering.
  • BS / MS in Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent industry experience.


Hardware 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:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. Microsoft’s devices and consumer (D&C) licensing segment licenses the Windows operating system and related software, Microsoft Office for consumers, and the Windows Phone operating system. The company’s computing and gaming hardware segment provides Xbox gaming and entertainment consoles and accessories, second-party and third-party video games, and Xbox Live subscriptions; surface devices and accessories; and Microsoft PC accessories. Its phone hardware segment offers Lumia smartphones and other non-Lumia phones. Its D&C segment provides Windows Store, Xbox Live transactions, and Windows phone store; search advertising; display advertising; Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal; first-party video games; and other consumer products and services as well as operating retail stores. Microsoft’s commercial licensing segments license server products, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs); Windows Embedded; Windows operating system; Microsoft Office for business, including Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and related CALs; Microsoft Dynamics business solutions; and Skype. Its commercial segment offers enterprise services, including premier support services and Microsoft consulting services; commercial cloud comprising Office 365 Commercial, other Microsoft Office online offerings, Dynamics CRM Online, and Microsoft Azure; and other commercial products and online services. The company markets and distributes its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers, as well as online.

Microsoft Careers

Join Microsoft today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity in its workforce. As a global leader in technology and digital transformation, Microsoft offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Explore Career Opportunities at Microsoft

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate eager to start your career, Microsoft has a position that suits your skills and ambitions. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where every team member is supported in expanding their horizons.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Microsoft internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment. You'll work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in technology.

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Choosing a career at Microsoft means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to empower them both professionally and personally. These include comprehensive health benefits, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement through professional development and diversity training.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

At Microsoft, we believe that innovation comes from diversity of thought and inclusion. We are committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired. Our leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives lead to breakthrough innovations and a competitive edge.

Grow with Us

Career growth at Microsoft is about more than climbing the corporate ladder; it's about continuous learning, expanding your skills, and improving your capabilities. With access to various leadership and training programs, you can evolve as a professional and make a significant impact within the company and on the global stage.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify true potential. Starting with a review of your resume, followed by interviews that assess your problem-solving abilities and cultural fit, we ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to demonstrate their strengths and potential to contribute to our team.

Networking and Professional Development

Microsoft is a place where you can build a professional network that spans the globe. Our employees benefit from connections with top-tier professionals and industry leaders, which opens doors to innovative projects and collaborative opportunities that are second to none.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and make a difference in the world of technology, explore the job opportunities at Microsoft. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare to embark on a rewarding career path filled with innovation and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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At Microsoft, your future is limitless. Join us in our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Your journey with Microsoft starts here.
Learn more about Microsoft
Size
181,000 employees
Market Cap
$1,762.4 billion
Industry
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ
MSFT
* Ladders Estimates

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