About the Role

Principal Hardware Engineer role at Microsoft focusing on PCIe Switch and Retimer validation for Azure cloud servers. Responsibilities include developing validation plans, performing root-cause analysis, and building automation frameworks. Requires expertise in hardware debugging, Python/C++ programming, and PCIe/storage protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive validation plans and strategies for PCIe Switch, Retimer, and related storage components
• Perform detailed root-cause analysis of PCIe and storage issues in collaboration with system teams
• Design and build advanced automation frameworks using Python, C, and C++ for test orchestration
• Lead board-level bring-up and debug using JTAG, serial interfaces, and kernel-level tools
• Serve as subject matter expert for PCIe Switch and Retimer validation to improve fleet reliability

Required Skills & Qualifications

Must Have:

• 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 experience OR equivalent
• 8+ years of experience with PCIe Switch and PCIe Retimer validation, performance testing, and white-box testing
• 8+ years of experience with software, test framework, and script development skills: C/C++ Programming, Python Scripting
• Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire and every two years

Nice to Have:

• 10+ years of memory/storage industry or enterprise/cloud server experience
• MS (master’s degree) in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering
• Windows/Linux driver/kernel development experience (C/C++)
• Understanding of storage protocols (NVMe, PCIe, SATA)
• Debugging skills with PCIe Analyzers, Logic analyzers, Oscilloscopes

Benefits & Perks

• Industry leading healthcare