| Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
—
Salary
$142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted
12 days ago
Closes
Dec 1, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $188k
This role $209k
$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 74% of similar roles. Most pay $167,100–$209,750 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $188k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 similar postings.

Employer

About Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is a global technology leader producing software, hardware, and cloud services including Windows, Office 365, Azure cloud platform, Xbox gaming, and Surface devices. Industry: Software & Cloud Computing

Microsoft currently has 1577 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 1405 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at Microsoft

At a glance

TL;DR · | Microsoft Careers

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The Principal Optical Engineer position within the Cloud Hardware Systems Engineering (CHSE) team at Microsoft involves leading rack-scale fiber-optic infrastructure development and innovation. This senior-level engineer will act as a subject matter expert, driving planning, architecture, and partnerships to enhance AI platform scalability. Daily tasks include developing comprehensive management solutions for fiber optics, collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams to integrate efficient cabling systems, and managing the technology roadmap for sustainable scaling. Essential qualifications encompass extensive experience in high-density fiber-optic components and hyper-scale data centers, along with a deep understanding of optical interconnect technologies and hands-on testing expertise. The role demands strong analytical skills, leadership, and a passion for disruptive innovation within the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure domain.

Skills

Fiber Optics Optical Engineering High-Density Fiber-Optic Components Passive Fiber Infrastructure Hyperscalers Rack-Level System Integrators Active Optical Interconnect Technologies L0-L2 Data Center Networking AI Infrastructure Failure Analysis Methodology Root Cause Analysis Cross-Functional Leadership Systematic Testing and Validation Performance Optimization

What you'll do

  • Develop comprehensive rack-scale fiber-optic management solutions and standards.
  • Lead partnerships with suppliers to integrate efficient fiber-optic infrastructure.
  • Own internal development lifecycle documentation from proof of concept to operational guidelines.
  • Manage supplier development for new fiber-optic building blocks enabling sustainable scaling.
  • Drive technology roadmap and readiness criteria for rack-scale fiber-optic infrastructure.

What we're looking for

  • Master's Degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years of technical engineering experience.
  • Proven experience in designing high-density fiber-optic components for hyper-scale data centers.
  • Experience working directly with hyperscalers or rack-level system integrators.
  • Strong understanding of active and passive optical interconnect technologies and supplier landscapes.
  • Hands-on testing and validation experience in active and passive fiber optic components.
  • Ability to conduct systematic failure analysis and define corrective actions.
  • Demonstrated cross-functional leadership and communication skills for driving architecture decisions.

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