Principal Computer Architect

As part of the Systems Planning and Architecture (SPARC) group, you will help strategize and architect compute platforms, storage and related technologies that create advantages for Azure and Microsoft. You will collaborate across the Azure organization to evaluate next-generation datacenter technologies, influencing internal Microsoft silicon, systems development and industry partners. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of cloud infrastructure.

You will play a critical role in identifying and analyzing architectural features for future datacenter platforms and SOC technologies. Your work will directly impact Microsoft’s cloud strategy, enabling smarter decisions for total cost of ownership, performance, power, cost, and sustainability. You’ll gain deep expertise in cloud usage, emerging technologies, and architectural modeling, with opportunities for continuous learning and growth. This is a hybrid role, supporting flexible work with up to 40% time work from home.

• Conduct comprehensive architecture analysis by developing engineering‑quality high‑level models that evaluate total cost of ownership (TCO), performance, power, and sustainability. Apply these models to assess and compare platform and SOC technologies, enabling data‑driven decisions for future datacenter solutions.
• Develop a deep understanding of Azure SaaS segments (such as M365, MS‑SQL, and Cosmos
  
  DB) and create high‑level segment KPI models that inform architecture decisions and enable effective hardware/software co‑design.
• Analyze cloud workload taxonomy to identify and categorize different workload types. Determine which SOC or platform features best support each workload category, enabling targeted architectural recommendations for optimal performance and efficiency.
• Support the development of sustainability metrics and their integration into architectural tradeoffs.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to influence technology planning.
• Contribute to strategic planning for next‑generation datacenter technologies.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership and partner teams.

• 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.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in hardware engineering and computer architecture.

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
  Microsoft Cloud Background Check:
  This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

• Experience with TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) modeling.
• Experience with server platform and workload analysis.
• Experience with Compute SOC performance and power analysis.
• Expertise in high level modeling and simulation of architecture features.
• Expertise in Data Analysis
• Knowledge of sustainability metrics.

Hardware Engineering IC5 – The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 – $274,800 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 $188,000 – $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 28th, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the .#AHSI #SPARC

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