> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1747701-principal-hardware-architect-optical-technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1747701-principal-hardware-architect-optical-technologies). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Hardware Architect - Optical Technologies - **Company:** Microsoft - **Location:** Mountain View, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $142,800.0 - $274,800.0 - **Contract:** Temporary to permanent - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Online Services, Systems Architecture, PIC Microcontroller - **Published:** July 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.jobmonkeyjobs.com/career/27835152/Principal-Hardware-Architect-Optical-Technologies-California-Mountain-View-1210 ## About the Role * Doctorate Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years of technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience., * 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., * Familiarity with datacenter-class optical module technologies such as QSFP/OSFP form factor pluggable modules or emerging Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) or Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) approaches. * Experience in architecting optical transceivers for target metrics such as physical dimensions, power (or energy efficiency), bandwidth density, temperature sensitivity, BER and failure rates. * Expertise with optical transceiver ingredients such as EIC, PIC, drivers, TIAs, photo-detectors, modulators and lasers. * Experience in designing optical modules for density and reliability. * A background in computer and systems architecture with exposure to AI or HPC systems with an understanding of scale-up and scale-out requirements is highly desired. * Skilled in partnering and influencing architects, hardware engineers, software leadsand executives. * Ability to manage through ambiguity,bringingclarity and results orientation to engage and energize collaborators and stakeholders. * Verbal and written communication skills, and ability to articulateandengage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels. * Experience leading and driving complex projectswith Optical Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $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. ## Description * Design methodologies to characterize optical performance and reliability * Deliver detailed optical interconnect requirements in the form of RFIs, RFPs and product specifications. * Propose and utilize POC / prototyping frameworks for the rigorous evaluation of optical technologies. * Engage with optical technology vendors and conduct detailed analysis of competing technologies. * Educate / disseminate technology directions to Microsoft's internal stakeholders on optical foundations and fundamental directions. ## Related Videos - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. Live Coding)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100196-photonic-computing-programming-a-new-class-of-ai-accelerators-incl-live-coding) - [Edit Your Future: Queerverse Radical AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/909-edit-your-future-queerverse-radical-ai) - [The QUEST for Better Software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/721-the-quest-for-better-software) - [Strange New Worlds: shaping the future of the digital age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/677-strange-new-worlds-shaping-the-future-of-the-digital-age) - [AI is dead, long live AK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1093-ai-is-dead-long-live-ak) - [Exploring Durable Execution with Python](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1234-exploring-durable-execution-with-python) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies in Europe](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/162-highest-paying-tech-companies-in-europe) - [Best Paying Jobs in Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/256-best-paying-jobs-in-technology) - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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