Principal Mechanical Engineer - AI Systems

• Lead Mechanical Development: Deliver innovative mechanical designs for server and cooling systems, integrating thermal, structural, and electrical constraints with a deep understanding of server architecture and adjacencies. 

• Predictive Analysis & Empirical Validation: Apply advanced modeling (FEA, CFD, tolerance analysis) and empirical testing to validate structural, thermal, and reliability performance. 

• Design for Manufacturing & Reliability: Ensure manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and long-term reliability through material selection, tolerance control, supplier engagement, and understanding of tooling and manufacturing processes. 

• Drive for Results: Set clear goals with measurable outcomes, manage risk, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality hardware solutions across product lines. 

• Strategic Thinking: Translate business and customer needs into scalable mechanical strategies that align with long-term product and platform vision. 

• Technology Pathfinding: Develop and explore innovative design strategies that anticipate future trends, opportunities, and industry shifts. 

• Develop Technical Talent: Mentor engineers to become thought leaders, fostering growth through challenging assignments and continuous feedback. 

• Engineering Rigor & Agility: Balance innovation with disciplined execution, ensuring quality as a key participant in structured design reviews, test planning, and root cause analysis. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with electrical, thermal, reliability, and other domains to deliver cohesive, customer-focused solutions. 

• Invent & Protect: Identify and develop intellectual property, encouraging patent filings and contributing to Microsoft’s innovation portfolio. 

• Tool & Process Advancement: Evaluate and implement new tools, technologies, and methodologies to improve design quality and team productivity. 

Required 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.

Other Requirements: 

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements is required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screening:  

• • Microsoft Cloud Background Check. This position is required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Expertise in CAD software (e.g., PTC Creo,) understanding of mechanical design principles, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, manufacturing processes, and validation. 

• Working knowledge of cloud infrastructure, data center operations, and related technologies, such as server racks, power distribution, cooling systems, and cable management. 

• Prior development experience of liquid cooled AI or HPC systems. 

• Experience with development of specifications, interface control documents, and managing design requirements. 

• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve mechanical design issues and optimize system performance. 

• Experience with cabling and networking interconnect technology. 

• Experience partnering with ODM and suppliers to develop products.