Senior Electrical Engineer, Datacenter

Microsoft

Microsoft

Other Engineering
Houston, TX, USA · Redmond, WA, USA · Washington, DC, USA · Atlanta, GA, USA
USD 119,800-234,700 / year
Posted on Jan 6, 2026
Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Regional Datacenter Engineering (RDCE) team is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacenter construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world’s largest online services.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

The Senior Electrical Engineer or subject matter expert (SME) role provides key input to other organizations and stakeholders. The successful candidate will be an electrical engineer with capability of achieving PE licensure and detailed understanding of datacenter electrical engineering, electrical power monitoring systems, datacenter controls, datacenter operational and overall critical environment network topology.

The SME role is responsible for the oversight of specification and drawing development detailing all electrical systems, power distribution systems, backup power systems, electrical power monitoring systems, the control diagrams, sequence of operation for the electrical controls systems, overall network architecture and communication protocols required. Additionally, the SME role will be responsible for managing our consultants making sure they engineer and design to Microsoft technical standards. Finally, the SME role will also work with stakeholders for testing and commissioning of datacenters for compliance with Microsoft requirements. The position requires occasional travel to sites, to “Factory Witness Testing”, vendor interaction in the design process, as well as final commissioning of the installed systems.



Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with Microsoft’s Global Datacenter Engineering (GDCE) team to understand and develop the datacenter (DC) electrical designs from Basis of Design (BOD) to Issue for Constructions (IFC) for new DC project buildouts and retrofit projects
  • Lead and direct A/E consultants in the design and coordination of the electrical systems with other disciplines, associated controls and overall electrical distribution and topology for datacenter builds and retrofits
  • Manage all Electrical system designs during the design stages, equipment procurement, bidding, manufacturing, delivery and installation on site. Identify and resolve issues raised by the construction teams and various stakeholders
  • Interface closely with internal procurement team, manufacturers and the global and local engineering teams to deliver the Electrical solutions needed for each project
  • Responsible for the oversight of specification and drawing development, detailing the sequence of operation for the Electrical systems and overall drawings and specifications for our Electrical topology
  • Technical review and analysis of the lease and colocation datacenter space from external providers for compliance with Microsoft requirements
  • Assist the Operations teams with Electrical system and equipment strategic improvements, working closely with equipment vendors and suppliers.


Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.

Background Check 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.

While not required, we also look for the following Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional Engineering License or the ability to get a Professional Engineering License within 2 years.
  • 3 years’ experience with design, construction, operation or maintenance of large scale and complex electrical engineering systems (Datacenters, Micro Electronics are two examples of relevant industries)
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams of engineers in advanced engineering and operational processes and procedures as they relate to large datacenter environments
  • Leadership competencies and willingness to collaborate and work cross- functionally to maximize business results and positive customer experiences
  • Experience managing both internal and external vendors, with a proven ability to manage and monitor progress to ensure objectives are achieved for outsourced project efforts
  • Solid interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills at varying levels of business up to and including business executives; Ability to prepare and present using MS office packages.
  • Detailed understanding of electrical capacity, distribution components and concepts including uninterruptible power sources, diesel generators, electrical switchgear, power distribution units, and automatic/static transfer switches, relays, protection schemes, high-voltage distribution system, power and distribution transformers, earthing and switching
  • Detailed knowledge of building codes and standards, including NFPA 70 and UL standards
  • Knowledge of Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), Branch Circuit Monitoring Systems (BCMS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Knowledge of construction techniques and terminology, including the ability to read and interpret construction drawings and requirements documents is essential
  • Experience in designing, operating, and commissioning electrical distribution systems, from medium voltage (MV) to branch circuits
  • Experience with power system analysis (SKM, ETAP, and/or Cymcap) and reviewing
  • Knowledge of mechanical and control systems related to datacenter environments

#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers



Hardware Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $158,400 - $258,000 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.