Principal Optical Engineer

Quick Facts

• Architect/engineer role for Cloud/AI optical interconnects and rack-scale fiber management
• Drives next-generation optical interconnect strategy and production roadmap for hyperscale AI infrastructure

Description

Lead architectural design, standards, and engineering execution for multi-generation Cloud/AI optical interconnects and rack-scale optical infrastructure. Work across silicon, systems, networking, platform architecture, and datacenter engineering to move optical technologies from concept through large-scale production deployment.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive optical interconnect strategy for next-generation AI platforms
• Evaluate emerging technologies and plan migration paths across platform generations
• Lead architecture and product definition for rack-scale fiber management for AI clusters
• Set targets for bandwidth density, latency, reliability, power efficiency, serviceability, manufacturability, and cost
• Lead development of rack-scale fiber management solutions (fiber shuffles, connectors, cabling)
• Develop standards and best practices for large-scale optical infrastructure deployment in AI datacenters
• Drive supplier roadmaps to align with Microsoft platform requirements
• Influence industry standards and ecosystem direction through technical forums and joint development
• Conduct architecture reviews and guide technical decision-making across organizations
• Guide technologies through proof-of-concept, qualification, productization, manufacturing readiness, and fleet deployment
• Support root-cause analysis and resolution of operational issues for deployed systems

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and 7+ years technical engineering experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years technical engineering experience, OR equivalent experience
• Meet Microsoft/customer/government security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter

Benefits

• Base pay range (U.S.): USD $142,800–$274,800 per year (location-specific range applies for certain areas)
• Additional benefits and compensation may apply (per Microsoft careers pay information)