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AI Principal Lease Program Manager

Microsoft

Microsoft

Software Engineering, Operations, Data Science
Houston, TX, USA · Redmond, WA, USA · Washington, DC, USA · Washington, DC, USA · Atlanta, GA, USA
Posted on Mar 14, 2026
Overview

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Datacenter Engineering (DCE) 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 Datacenter Engineering AI Lease Program Manager will be part of a team responsible for the delivery of leased datacenters in the AMER region. The AI Lease Program Manager will oversee the technical alignment between Microsoft requirements and our lessors’ designs, manage communications, schedule meetings and close gaps in information as the primary point of contact between internal and external parties. They will work closely with AI delivery, engineering, construction, site acquisition and operations teams throughout each project to ensure GPU signals are effectively vetted against infrastructure requirements and approved for deployment in the specified leased data centers. The Lease Program Manager will have to manage multiple projects concurrently from within the portfolio, provide regular program reporting, remain aligned with frequently evolving business priorities, and coordinate resourcing needs with lease directors.

This position will support the growth of our AI capacity in the region and will manage cluster layout design development and feasibility review for technical compliance with Microsoft’s requirements including network, layout, power, cooling, and telecom infrastructure.



Responsibilities
  • Govern GPU feasibility assessments to ensure signals are effectively vetted against technical infrastructure requirements and aligned with business needs.

  • Lead technical compliance with Microsoft’s requirements through review of lease provider’s design documents

  • Operate portfolio information tools and manage document repository

  • Provide external vendors and internal team members with portfolio information tool orientation and support

  • Coordinate with the regional engineering directors to acquire SME resourcing for technical compliance and GPU feasibility efforts.

  • Provide technical support to lease site acquisition team on design-related items post contract execution and any other stage of the lease process as required.

  • Maintain weekly portfolio milestones to support monthly and quarterly reporting; inclusive of key metrics.

  • Adhere to global process, tooling, and reporting expectations and support continuous improvement efforts.



Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree AND 6+ years’ experience in electrical/telecom/mechanical/civil engineering and/or architecture, technical program management, OR equivalent experience.

  • 3+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree AND 12+ years’ experience in electrical/telecom/mechanical/civil engineering and/or architecture, technical program management, OR equivalent experience.

  • 8+ years of experience managing cross-functional and/or cross-team projects.

  • 10 + years’ experience in mission critical or hi-tech industry such as datacenters, largescale manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or oil gas industry, with proven track record in design and/or project/program management capacity.

  • 3+ years of experience of telecom/network infrastructure and GPU deployments.
  • High level of proficiency and technical understanding of mission critical environments on a multidisciplinary level

  • Experience working on leased data center projects.

  • Knowledge of lease contracts and remedies.

  • An understanding of datacenter lease market in region would be highly desirable.

  • Experience working across time zones as part of a global team.

  • Able to work with other technical and non-technical groups in an agile, fast-paced environment.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong teamwork spirit in a diverse and inclusive environment.

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.

#COICareers



Technical Program Management IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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.