Principal Optical Engineer

About This Role

This role will act as a subject matter expert and lead architect in rack-scale fiber-optic infrastructure and cabling. The Principal Optical Engineer will drive planning, architecture, innovation, partnerships, and development for Microsoft's Cloud Infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive rack-scale fiber-optic management solutions and standards
• Actively involve in all emerging state-of-the-art AI systems/platforms with optical contents inside racks
• Own most of internal dev lifecycle documentation across proof of concept, product requirements, statement of works, EV/DV/PV, L10/L11 installation & build manual, and operational guidelines
• Partner with internal cross-functional teams, fiber optics suppliers and system integrators to ensure efficient, and reliable integration of fiber-optic infrastructure into compute and switch racks
• Manage and drive the suppliers to develop new fiber-optic building blocks to enable sustainable scaling of fiber-optic infrastructure for AI platforms
• Assist data center operation team on troubleshooting and remediation recommendations issues after production
• Drive the technology roadmap, technology/product readiness criteria, and intercept plans in the context of rack-scale fiber-optic infrastructure
• Fill the domain knowledge gaps in fiber optics across cross-functional teams

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
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements for this role
• Pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years technical engineering experience with Master's Degree OR 8+ years with Bachelor's Degree

Nice to Have

• Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years of technical engineering experience
• OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years of technical engineering experience
• OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years of technical engineering experience
• Proven experience in architecture, design, and/or implementation of high-density fiber-optic components and/or the passive fiber infrastructure for hyper-scale data centers
• Experience working directly with hyperscalers or rack-level system integrators
• Proven understanding and insight of both active and passive optical interconnect technologies and associated supplier landscapes for hyper-scale cloud/AI infrastructure
• Hands-on testing and validation experience in active and passive fiber optic components and end-to-end fiber links
• Ability to conduct a systematic Failure Analysis
• Knowledge of optical interconnects and L0-L2 data center networking, in particular for leading AI infrastructure
• Demonstrated cross‑functional leadership and communication skills
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on performance optimization
• Proven intellectual curiosity and a passion for challenging the status quo and driving disruptive innovation
• Knowledge and experience of Fiber Optics including related tools, devices, processes, design, operations, or manufacturing
• Knowledge of Optical Engineering and Optical Engineering concepts, testing procedures, standards, tools and appropriate analysis methods

Skills

* Required skills