Principal Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) drives the cloud infrastructure, with the Datacenter Engineering (DCE) team leading complex, multidisciplinary projects for datacenter construction, expansions, and upgrades worldwide. We seek an enthusiastic and driven Principal Mechanical Engineer to contribute mechanical engineering expertise by supporting architecture teams and internal stakeholders in designing cutting-edge cloud infrastructure.

Microsoft is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where every employee can positively influence its culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert in datacenter mechanical systems including HVAC cooling, cooling equipment selection, plumbing, fire protection, fuel systems, and Building Automation System (BAS) controls.
• Lead specification and drawing development detailing mechanical systems, network topology, and communication protocols.
• Coordinate mechanical engineering workgroups comprising AE firms and Microsoft's key stakeholders.
• Conduct factory witness testing, vendor collaboration during design, and oversee commissioning of installed mechanical systems.
• Make design decisions on new construction, expansions, retrofits, upgrades, and standards improvements for datacenter projects.
• Manage external consultants through design workshops ensuring alignment with the Basis of Design (BOD).
• Collaborate with Global Technical Governance, Global Strategy, and Datacenter Operations teams from BOD to Issue for Construction (IFC) and Construction Administration through to handover.
• Lead delivery of mechanical system designs for pioneering datacenter prototypes.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership capabilities to work effectively with technical and non-technical teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Exhibit integrity, attention to detail, and a diligent work ethic.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 9 years’ experience in consulting engineering with a minimum of 6 years as lead engineer focused on datacenter projects.
• Expertise in designing complex operating sequences for mechanical systems within building automation systems.
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams in advanced processes related to hyperscale datacenter environments.
• Competence in conducting complex business case analyses to support technical decisions.
• Strong analytical skills for resolving technical challenges, building stakeholder consensus, and guiding decision making.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including delivering technical presentations to leadership.
• Meticulous attention to detail and adherence to quality standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building codes and regulations.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite for presentations and documentation.
• Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of technical experience designing complex mechanical systems.
• 12+ years of datacenter design experience in consulting roles.
• Experience designing cooling systems for liquid-cooled IT hardware.

Additional Information

Candidates must satisfy Microsoft and applicable government security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud Background Check at hiring and every two years thereafter.

Microsoft offers equal employment opportunity without regard to protected characteristics. Support for religious and disability accommodations during the application process is available upon request.