Principal Lab Architect

Overview

Microsoft Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) is responsible for delivering the hardware platforms and lab infrastructure that power Microsoft’s global cloud services. As AI and high-power GPU platforms rapidly scale, long-range lab readiness and infrastructure planning have become critical to on-time product delivery.

 

We are seeking a Principal Lab Architect to own end-to-end lab capability architecture, standards, and multi-year readiness planning across SCHIE sites. This role translates product roadmaps into phased, predictable lab investments and ensures scalable, repeatable lab architectures globally.

 

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

 

Responsibilities

• Own lab architecture, capability standards, and design principles across global SCHIE hardware development labs.
• Lead 2–5 year lab readiness planning, aligning product roadmaps (AI GPU, rack-scale, power-dense systems) with facility, power, cooling, network, and safety requirements.
• Translate silicon, system, and rack roadmaps into phased lab investment plans, identifying readiness gaps 12–24 months ahead of execution.
• Define and standardize scalable, repeatable lab architectures across sites to improve reuse and capital efficiency.
• Partner with CHSE Lab Operations, Engineering, Product, and external stakeholders to ensure early alignment on lab capacity and capability.
• Drive early risk identification and mitigation to protect product schedules and reduce late-stage lab constraints.
• Influence capital planning decisions by balancing incremental upgrades vs. new lab builds.
• Embody our culture and values.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 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.

 

 

Other Requirements:

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.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in lab infrastructure, data center, hardware lab, or large-scale technical environments OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional infrastructure or lab planning across multiple projects or products.
• Experience translating product or technology roadmaps into long-term infrastructure or capacity plans.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority.
• Experience with AI GPU, high-power rack, or liquid-cooled lab environments.
• Background in hardware development labs, data centers, or hyperscale infrastructure.
• Experience defining global standards across multiple sites or geographies.
• Familiarity with capital planning, phased investments, and cost optimization.

#SCHIE #CHSE #azurehwjobs

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:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.