SeniorPrincipal Product Systems Engineer

At Microsoft Research we are shaping the next generation of AI infrastructure through high-risk high-reward programs spanning devices systems software hardware and AI infrastructure.

As a Senior/Principal Product Systems Engineer you will own the system-level definition and technical integration of emerging optical interconnect technologies as they move from research prototypes toward deployable infrastructure. Working across research Azure engineering product teams suppliers and external partners you will translate product scenarios into clear requirements specifications verification plans and technical roadmaps while driving trade-offs and risk management across optics electronics packaging thermal mechanical firmware networking manufacturing and qualification.

Microsofts 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.

• Own the system-level product definition including requirements specifications interfaces acceptance criteria and technical baselines.
• Translate AI infrastructure and networking scenarios into measurable performance reliability cost power manufacturability serviceability and deployment requirements.
• Lead multidisciplinary architecture design and trade-off reviews across optics electronics photonics packaging thermal mechanical firmware networking manufacturing test and qualification.
• Act as a primary technical interface with suppliers and development partners ensuring deliverables are complete testable and aligned to specification.
• Partner with Microsoft Research Azure engineering product supply-chain and operations teams to maintain an integrated product and technology roadmap.
• Own the system-level risk register verification strategy qualification plan and stage-gate criteria from prototype through deployment readiness.
• Coordinate technical execution across workstreams by maintaining clear decisions interfaces dependencies milestones and escalation paths. Communicate product maturity technical gaps alternatives and recommendations to technical and senior stakeholders.

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in electrical or electronic engineering computer engineering systems engineering physics applied physics photonics computer science or a related field and relevant experience in systems engineering product development hardware engineering or technical product integration; or equivalent experience.
• Broad technical understanding across some of the following: optical links and photonics mixed-signal electronics ASICs packaging signal and power integrity thermal and mechanical design networking reliability and high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience defining requirements specifications interfaces verification plans or qualification criteria for a complex multidisciplinary hardware or infrastructure product.
• Experience leading system-level technical trade-offs and integrating contributions from multiple engineering disciplines.
• Experience working directly with external suppliers technology partners OEMs ODMs or component vendors on technical deliverables and design reviews.
• Ability to operate effectively in an ambiguous fast-moving environment spanning research product engineering and commercialization.
• Excellent communication skills in English both written and spoken including the ability to explain assumptions document decisions and align diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience taking a complex hardware optical semiconductor networking or cloud-infrastructure technology product through its full development cycle from concept or prototype through design validation qualification manufacturing readiness or deployment.
• Experience building technical and product roadmaps that connect customer or internal product scenarios to architecture supplier capability validation evidence and investment decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strong execution leadership across teams while retaining ownership of product definition and system-level technical outcomes.
• For appointment at the Principal level demonstrated experience setting technical direction leading across organizational boundaries and influencing product or platform decisions for complex engineering programs.

Research Sciences IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is 74700.00 - 122600.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:

Research Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is 93500.00 - 161800.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here:
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.

Required Experience:

IC