Microsoft

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer

Microsoft • $119K — $234K *
Mountain View, CA 94040In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or Bachelor's Degree in relevant engineering fields with significant experience in manufacturing/repair.
  • Doctorate preferred with additional years of experience.
  • Proven leadership and problem-solving skills across all organizational levels.
  • Experience in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with complex challenges.
  • Deep hardware manufacturing expertise, particularly in assembly and quality systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead as the senior manufacturing engineering authority for key cloud-hardware and GPU programs.
  • Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) processes and serviceability reviews for product improvement.
  • Translate product architecture into effective manufacturing processes and tools.
  • Manage manufacturing architecture for GPU and AI systems with optical technologies.
  • Oversee qualification processes for optical and high-speed interconnect assemblies.
  • Ensure production readiness across multiple supplier technologies and processes.
  • Convert product roadmaps into comprehensive manufacturing plans ensuring quality and schedule adherence.

Benefits

  • Potential eligibility for various compensation packages.
  • Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
  • Collaborative work culture fostering innovation and knowledge transfer.
  • Access to state-of-the-art technologies and tools in manufacturing engineering.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

  • Manufacturing Technical Leadership: Serve as the senior manufacturing engineering lead for assigned cloud-hardware, GPU, optical-networking, and custom-silicon programs. Own the manufacturing technical strategy from early architecture through sustaining production, ensuring products can be built, tested, repaired, scaled, and supported reliably across global factories.


  • Design for Manufacturing and Product Industrialization: Lead DFM, DFA, testability, serviceability, packaging, automation, tolerance, and sustainability reviews with design, NPI, quality, reliability, supplier, and factory teams. Identify product and process constraints early, quantify risk, and influence architecture and design decisions to improve manufacturability, yield, cost, reliability, and time to market.


  • Manufacturing Architecture and Technical Ownership: Serve as the manufacturing technical authority for assigned products and systems. Translate product architecture into production processes, equipment and tooling strategies, assembly sequences, inspection and test methods, process controls, repair boundaries, supplier requirements, and factory qualification plans. Maintain accountability for the technical integrity of the manufacturing solution from early architecture through sustaining production.


  • GPU and Optical Networking Manufacturing: Lead manufacturing architecture, DFM, process development, and production-readiness activities for GPU and AI systems using optical and high-speed interconnect technologies. Drive manufacturability across optical engines and modules, high-speed electrical flyover cables, multifiber connectors, fiber trunks and shuffle assemblies, accelerator trays, switch trays, rack-level fiber management, liquid cooling, and related infrastructure.


  • Optical Process Qualification and Factory Test: Develop and qualify contamination-controlled handling, cleaning, inspection, installation, routing, configuration-verification, and test processes for optical and high-speed interconnect assemblies. Establish factory coverage for connector integrity, cable and fiber mapping, optical-path continuity, link bring-up, telemetry, firmware interoperability, power sequencing, cooling integrity, serviceability, and system-level fault isolation.


  • Optical Supplier and Ramp Readiness: Drive qualification and production readiness across optical-module, laser, connector, cable, fiber-management, rack, cooling, PCB, and contract-manufacturing partners. Own supplier DFM closure, process capability, yield improvement, capacity validation, interoperability, second-source readiness, and contingency planning for maturing optical technologies.


  • NPI Manufacturing Execution and Technical Leadership: Convert product architecture and roadmaps into integrated manufacturing plans covering prototype builds, EV/ DV/ PV, qualification, and volume ramp. Establish technically grounded readiness criteria for product design, process capability, equipment, tooling, fixtures, test, materials, repair, capacity, and supplier controls. Lead critical builds, make evidence-based go/no-go recommendations, and drive recovery when product or process maturity does not meet the required manufacturing bar.


  • Factory Operations and Capacity Readiness: Assess and develop production-line capability, factory layouts, staffing models, equipment plans, tooling, fixtures, test coverage, material readiness, repair operations, and capacity models. Identify gaps before build start and lead cross-functional recovery actions to protect schedule, quality, capacity, and supply continuity. Provide direct technical leadership during critical factory builds and production excursions.


  • Supplier Management and Production Risk Mitigation: Provide technical leadership to contract manufacturers, ODMs, OEMs, component suppliers, and sub-tier partners. Assess manufacturing capability, process maturity, qualification status, compliance, capacity, interoperability, and business-continuity risks. Influence supplier investment and corrective actions while aligning sourcing, supply chain, engineering, and program stakeholders.


  • Manufacturing Process and Supplier Readiness: Lead supplier process qualification and readiness assessments, including process audits, PPAP activities, control plans, fixture and tooling acceptance, incoming-quality criteria, line validation, test coverage, and repair readiness. Develop and standardize manufacturing processes that enable repeatable production, measurable yield improvement, and scalable ramp across global manufacturing sites.


  • Quality Systems and Process Control: Apply statistical process control, process-capability analysis, measurement-system analysis, control plans, inspection data, and yield analytics to reduce variation and detect defects early. Drive practical automation, digital monitoring, vision inspection, AI-enabled analytics, and factory-data improvements where they provide measurable quality, efficiency, or operational value.


  • Root Cause Analysis and Continuous Improvement: Lead complex manufacturing issue triage and structured problem-solving using methods such as 8D, fishbone, 5-Why, PFMEA, DFMEA, and Six Sigma. Establish containment, isolate root cause, verify corrective-action effectiveness, prevent recurrence, and capture reusable lessons across products, suppliers, factories, and programs.


  • Technical Validation and Risk Management: Own manufacturing risk identification and mitigation across NUDD, PFMEA, qualification, yield, tooling, materials, supplier readiness, schedule, and capacity. Lead engineering-change impact assessments, tolerance analyses, simulations, failure-mode evaluations, and technical trade-offs. Escalate risks with clear options, supporting data, business impact, and actionable recommendations.


  • Metrics, Governance, and Executive Communication: Establish dashboards and operating mechanisms for build readiness, qualification, yield, defect trends, issue aging, risk closure, supplier performance, capacity, and corrective actions. Convert detailed manufacturing data into concise technical and business narratives that enable timely decisions by engineering, program, and executive leadership.


  • Cross-Program Strategy and Knowledge Transfer: Identify common manufacturing challenges across product generations and develop reusable standards, roadmaps, supplier strategies, qualification methods, and process improvements. Transfer lessons learned across products, suppliers, and factories; mentor engineers; strengthen the technical capability of the broader virtual team; and create clarity and accountability in ambiguous execution environments.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Manufacturing, Material, Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal, or Industrial Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years experience in a manufacturing environment /repair OR Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing, Material, Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal, or Industrial Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years experience in a manufacturing environment/repair OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired):

  • Doctorate in Manufacturing, Material, Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal, or Industrial Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years experience in a manufacturing environment/repair OR Master's Degree in Manufacturing, Material, Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal, or Industrial Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years experience in a manufacturing environment/repair OR Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing, Material, Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal, or Industrial Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years experience in a manufacturing environment/repair OR equivalent experience. Patent or track record of engineering excellency.
  • Strong leadership, facilitation, communication, problem-solving, and L1/L2 triage skills, with proven effectiveness across all organizational levels.
  • Ability to prioritize and execute in high-pressure, fast-paced environments while independently driving complex manufacturing challenges to resolution.
  • Deep hardware manufacturing expertise spanning assembly, test, tooling, fixtures, process qualification, factory operations, quality systems, repair, and production ramp.
  • Experience leading manufacturing engineering for AI, GPU, HPC, or rack-scale systems involving optical networking, high-speed interconnects, custom silicon, and disaggregated architectures.
  • Hands-on experience developing, qualifying, and manufacturing optical and high-speed connectivity components, including transceivers, cables, fiber assemblies, connectors, and related technologies.
  • Expertise in NPI and defining factory test, qualification, and reliability strategies for high-speed electrical and optical systems, including bring-up, interoperability, telemetry, fault isolation, and configuration control.
  • Proven ability to influence product architecture and design through DFM, testability, process capability, risk management, manufacturing trade-offs, and engineering change assessments.
  • Experience leading NPI, production ramp, and supplier ecosystems across globally distributed teams, ODMs/OEMs, contract manufacturers, system integrators, and sub-tier suppliers.
  • Strong track record applying data-driven manufacturing methodologies (SPC, PFMEA, 8D, Six Sigma, yield analytics, MSA, control plans), driving scalable improvements, translating technical data into executive recommendations, and utilizing PLM/MES/project-tracking tools, must meet security-screening requirements, if any.


Manufacturing Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 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
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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