Principal Hardware Engineer (Storage Validation)

Quick Facts

• Role: Principal Hardware Engineer (Storage Validation)

• Focus: HDD Certified Device List (CDL) qualification for Azure-scale reliability, performance, security, and compatibility

Description

You will lead the Certified Device List (CDL) qualification program for hard disk drives (HDDs). The role includes defining HDD qualification strategy, creating and improving automated validation test suites, translating industry and Microsoft requirements into test procedures, partnering with HDD suppliers, and using fleet learnings to continuously improve quality.

Responsibilities

• Translate Microsoft, OCP, security, reliability, and platform requirements into HDD validation strategies, test plans, and qualification procedures.

• Design, develop, and maintain automated HDD CDL test suites for functionality, performance, reliability, power, security, interoperability, and fleet-specific scenarios.

• Analyze fleet learnings, field incidents, and validation escapes to find coverage gaps and improve qualification methodologies and test content.

• Partner with HDD suppliers to review results, debug failures, assess corrective actions, and ensure compliance with Microsoft quality and certification requirements.

• Lead technical discussions with cross-functional teams (platform engineering, storage architecture, reliability engineering, datacenter operations) to align qualification 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 resolution with suppliers.

• Drive qualification readiness for next-generation HDD technologies while ensuring new devices meet Azure requirements for reliability, performance, compatibility, security, and serviceability.

• Influence industry specifications, Microsoft validation standards, and supplier test methodologies to improve qualification coverage and device quality.

• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership in storage validation, test development, qualification practices, and HDD technology advancements.

Requirements

• 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.

• 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.

Benefits

• Base pay range (U.S.): USD $142,800–$274,800 per year (San Francisco Bay Area and New York City metro: USD $188,000–$304,200).

• Eligible for benefits and other compensation; additional pay/benefits details provided via Microsoft careers.

• Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled (minimum 5 days open).