Principal Mechanical Engineer

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.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will serve as a global Datacenter Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Microsoft, providing technical leadership across Microsoft's worldwide datacenter portfolio. This role supports the Datacenter Technical Excellence (DCE) program and associated global initiatives and projects. The position is responsible for setting and driving global technical direction for internal DCE mechanical SMEs as well as external engineering consultants.

The role requires broad and deep expertise in datacenter mechanical systems, including cooling equipment, cooling strategies, and overall datacenter mechanical topology across a large, diverse fleet. The ideal candidate is a senior Mechanical Engineer with extensive experience in datacenter mechanical infrastructure. Candidates must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of datacenter cooling technologies, large-scale cooling plants and distribution systems, and strong familiarity with PUE and WUE modeling methodologies.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Provide consistent, visible technical leadership supported by clear, effective communication.
• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives with minimal oversight while maintaining delivery quality and alignment.
• Lead and support weekly Mechanical SME forums with deployment teams to establish technical direction and align priorities.
• Develop executive-level presentations and communicate regularly with senior leadership on strategic direction and complex technical topics.
• Define, refine, and continuously improve mechanical engineering processes, standards, procedures, and documentation.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with diverse stakeholders to deliver and continuously enhance Microsoft's global mechanical design strategy.
• Partner effectively with technical and non-technical teams in a fast-paced environment to drive cross-group collaboration and stakeholder alignment.
• Demonstrate personal integrity and accountability through a disciplined, detail-oriented engineering approach.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to conceive, develop, and deploy first-of-kind, innovative datacenter cooling solutions from concept through implementation.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.

While not required, we also look for the followingPreferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Mechanical Engineering.
• Deep understanding of HVAC load calculations, psychrometrics, and their application to mission-critical facilities.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable industry standards, building codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to perform and support equipment evaluations, including factory witness testing.
• Proven experience leading and influencing teams of internal engineers and external consultants in advanced engineering and operational processes for large datacenters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and a commitment to high technical and documentation quality, including formal technical report writing.
• Ability to present using the MS office suite; MS word, MS excel and MS PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.

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.
• Citizenship Verification:
  This position requires…