Principal Optical Engineer

Quick Facts

Role: Principal Optical Engineer (architect/engineer for Cloud/AI optical interconnects)

Description

Lead the architectural design and multi-generation roadmap for next-generation optical interconnects for hyperscale AI infrastructure. Own end-to-end requirements translation and drive development across near-package optics (NPO), co-packaged optics (CPO), silicon photonics, and advanced packaging from feasibility through large-scale production deployment.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end architecture and multi-generation roadmap for NPO and CPO optical interconnects for AI scale-up networks.
• Translate system and network requirements into specifications (bandwidth density, reach, latency, energy per bit, optical-link budget, signal integrity, thermal limits, reliability, serviceability, manufacturability, and cost).
• Define silicon-photonic subsystem architectures (optical engines, modulators, photodetectors, laser-source strategies, coupling interfaces, fiber attach, electronic-photonic integration, and control/monitoring).
• Build system models and budgets connecting photonic-device performance, SerDes/electrical channels, package parasitics, thermal behavior, controls, and network-level performance.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership for lab characterization/debug (optical/electrical measurements, link bring-up, design-of-experiments, margin and failure analysis, simulation-to-measure correlation).
• Define verification, qualification, reliability, and manufacturing-test strategies across wafer/die/package/module/board/rack/system levels.
• Guide proof-of-concept designs through product definition, design reviews, qualification, manufacturing readiness, supply-chain ramp, and fleet deployment; lead root-cause/corrective-action.
• Coordinate technical alignment across silicon, packaging, signal integrity, thermal, mechanical, firmware, networking, manufacturing, and reliability teams.
• Set technical direction with foundries, OSATs, suppliers, equipment vendors, and strategic partners; assess technology readiness, supply continuity, cost, yield, and roadmap alignment.
• Influence industry standards/ecosystem roadmaps; mentor engineers and communicate risks and decisions to leadership.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering or related) with 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
• Ability to access export-controlled information by providing proof of citizenship or U.S. permanent residency/other protected status.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay range in the U.S. is typically USD $142,800–$274,800/year; Bay Area and NYC metro range is typically USD $188,000–$304,200/year.
• Eligibility for benefits and other compensation (details available via Microsoft corporate pay information).