Microsoft

Principal Hardware Engineer

Microsoft$142K — $274K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering plus 7+ years of technical experience, or Bachelor's degree plus 8+ years, or equivalent experience
  • 8+ years of enterprise storage technology experience, including HDDs and related devices
  • 5+ years of experience in leading validation strategy development and test methodologies
  • Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional initiatives impacting product quality
  • Deep expertise in HDD technologies and their operational protocols
  • Experience with defining qualification strategies in hyperscale cloud or datacenter environments.
  • Proficient in programming languages such as Python, C#, or PowerShell.

Responsibilities

  • Translate Microsoft requirements into HDD validation strategies and test plans.
  • Design and develop automated HDD test suites covering all functionality aspects.
  • Analyze validation escapes and incidents to enhance testing methodologies.
  • Collaborate with HDD suppliers to ensure compliance with quality standards.
  • Lead technical discussions to align HDD qualification with Azure needs.
  • Perform technical analysis of HDD failures to find root causes and solutions.
  • Drive qualification efforts for next-generation HDD technologies and ensure readiness.

Benefits

  • Inclusion in a highly collaborative work environment
  • Access to opportunities for personal and professional development
  • Participation in innovative projects at the forefront of technology
  • Potential eligibility for additional compensation and benefits packages
  • Support for ongoing education and certifications.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities
  • Translate Microsoft, OCP, security, reliability, and platform requirements into comprehensive HDD validation strategies, test plans, and qualification procedures.
  • Design, develop, and maintain automated HDD CDL test suites covering functionality, performance, reliability, power, security, interoperability, and fleet-specific validation scenarios
  • Analyze fleet learnings, field incidents, and validation escapes to identify coverage gaps and drive continuous enhancement of HDD qualification methodologies and test content.
  • Partner closely with HDD suppliers to review qualification results, debug failures, assess corrective actions, and ensure compliance with Microsoft quality and certification requirements
  • Lead technical discussions with cross-functional teams including platform engineering, storage architecture, reliability engineering, and datacenter operations to align qualification requirements with Azure deployment needs.
  • Perform deep technical analysis of HDD failures using protocol traces, logs, telemetry, and diagnostic data to identify root causes and drive issue resolution with suppliers
  • Drive qualification readiness for next-generation HDD technologies and ensure new devices meet Azure requirements for reliability, performance, compatibility, security, and serviceability
  • Influence industry specifications, Microsoft validation standards, and supplier test methodologies by identifying opportunities to improve qualification coverage and overall device quality.
  • Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership in storage validation, test development, qualification practices, and HDD technology advancements.


Qualifications

Required/minimum 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
  • 8+ years of experience working with enterprise storage technologies, including HDDs, SSDs, SAS, SATA, or NVMe devices, with demonstrated expertise in storage architecture, performance, reliability, and failure analysis.
  • 5+ years of experience leading development of validation strategies, qualification programs, test methodologies, or automated test frameworks for hardware products.
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional technical initiatives and influencing product quality, validation requirements, or engineering roadmaps across suppliers, partners, and internal engineering organizations.
  • Master's Degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
  • Deep expertise in HDD technologies, including HAMR, SMR, PMR, SAS/SATA protocols, storage reliability, firmware behavior, and large-capacity enterprise storage systems.
  • Experience defining device qualification strategies, certification programs, or validation standards for hyperscale cloud, datacenter, or enterprise storage deployments.
  • Experience collaborating directly with storage device suppliers to influence product design, validation methodologies, debugging efforts, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Proficiency in test automation, software development, and data analysis using Python, C#, PowerShell, or similar languages.
  • Experience with industry standards and specifications, including OCP, NVMe, SPC, SCSI, ATA, TCG, and related storage technologies.
  • Proven track record of driving complex technical decisions, influencing engineering direction across organizations, and delivering large-scale quality or reliability improvements.
  • Experience leveraging AI, automation, or advanced analytics to improve engineering productivity, qualification efficiency, or failure analysis workflows.


#azurehwjobs #SCHIE #AMS #DRAM #memory #HDD #HBA #SAS #SATA #NVMe #storage

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.

Employment Benefits

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.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Microsoft Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Get tailored content that aligns with your career preferences and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Microsoft.

SEARCH MICROSOFT JOBS

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
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Microsoft

More Telecommunications & Hardware Jobs

Find similar Principal Hardware Engineer jobs: