This role pays more than
63%
of similar roles. Most pay
$170,225–$228,225
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$209k
versus about
$199k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 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
658 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 642 roles with salary data.
The Principal Hardware Engineer joins the Azure Memory & Storage Commodity Quality and Validation Engineering team to lead the Certified Device List qualification program for hard disk drives. This role involves developing automated test suites, translating complex requirements into validation strategies, and performing deep technical analysis of failures using protocol traces and telemetry data. The engineer will partner with suppliers to resolve issues, ensure compliance with reliability standards, and mentor other engineers in storage validation techniques. Key technical competencies include expertise in HDD technologies like HAMR, SMR, and PMR, as well as protocols such as SAS, SATA, and NVMe. Candidates should be proficient in Python, C#, or PowerShell for test automation while navigating industry standards like OCP and TCG to ensure high-quality storage solutions for large-scale cloud infrastructure environments.
Translate technical requirements into comprehensive HDD validation strategies, test plans, and qualification procedures.
Design and maintain automated test suites for functionality, performance, reliability, power, and security.
Analyze fleet data and field incidents to identify coverage gaps and improve qualification methodologies.
Partner with suppliers to review results, debug failures, and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Perform deep technical analysis of HDD failures using protocol traces, logs, and telemetry data.
Drive qualification readiness for next-generation technologies to meet Azure performance and reliability requirements.
Influence industry specifications and internal validation standards to improve overall device quality.
Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership in storage validation and test development.
What we're looking for
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and 7+ years technical engineering experience.
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and 8+ years technical engineering experience.
Ability to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check.
8+ years of experience working with enterprise storage technologies including HDDs, SSDs, SAS, SATA, or NVMe devices (preferred).
5+ years of experience leading development of validation strategies, qualification programs, test methodologies, or automated test frameworks for hardware products (preferred).
Master's Degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field (preferred).
Deep expertise in HDD technologies, including HAMR, SMR, PMR, SAS/SATA protocols, and large-capacity enterprise storage systems (preferred).
Proficiency in test automation and software development using Python, C#, PowerShell, or similar languages (preferred).