> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1983497-principal-ai-network-hardware-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1983497-principal-ai-network-hardware-systems-engineer). 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 AI Network Hardware Systems Engineer - **Company:** Microsoft - **Location:** Redmond, WA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Communications Protocols, Software Debugging, Firmware, Networking Hardware, Interoperability, Microsoft Security Essentials, Routing, Remote Direct Memory Access, System Software, Systems Integration, TCP/IP, AI Infrastructure, Iq/oq/pq, Computer Networking Systems, AI Platforms, Low Latency - **Published:** August 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://us.experteer.com/career/view-jobs/principal-ai-network-hardware-systems-engineer-redmond-wa-usa-58858396 ## About the Role US and operational models for AI infrastructure * Lead design and validation of IP-based AI networking (TCP/IP, UDP, routing, QoS) * Analyze transport-layer performance across distributed AI workloads * Evaluate and debug network protocol implementations impacting latency, throughput, and reliability * Drive optimization of network paths for distributed AI training and inference * Design, validate, and optimize RDMA-based networking for AI clusters * Develop validation methodologies for AI traffic patterns and workloads * Develop networking validation strategies for functionality, performance, scale, interoperability, resiliency * Characterize network behavior under AI workloads and automate stress and performance qualification * Lead end-to-end debugging across layers and implement corrective actions using fleet telemetry * Build and improve network observability, telemetry, and monitoring tooling * Improve engineering productivity through automated testing and network health assessment frameworks Tasks * 8+ years of NW HW development experience * 8+ years of GPU-based SU/SO development experience * 8+ years of hands-on HS interface architecture and development * Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience * Ability to meet Microsoft security screening requirements Key requirements * ## Description Experteer Overview In this role you will lead the architecture, bring-up, validation, optimization, and deployment of networking infrastructure for Microsoft's MAIA AI platform. You will influence architectural direction and collaborate with silicon, firmware, hardware, software, and Azure teams to deliver scalable AI networking solutions at hyperscale. The position focuses on high-speed networking, AI fabric performance, and end-to-end system integration to enable next-generation AI workloads. This is a unique opportunity to shape AI networking for large-scale AI systems and infrastructure. Compensation / Benefits * Define networking requirements for large-scale AI training and inference clusters * Collaborate across silicon, system software, firmware, hardware, and Azure teams to deliver scalable networking solutions from concept to datacenter deployment * Participate in architecture reviews and influence AI networking roadmaps * Define concepts of operation, telemetry, serviceability, and operational models for AI infrastructure * Lead design and validation of IP-based AI networking (TCP/IP, UDP, routing, QoS) * Analyze transport-layer performance across distributed AI workloads * Evaluate and debug network protocol implementations impacting latency, throughput, and reliability * Drive optimization of network paths for distributed AI training and inference * Design, validate, and optimize RDMA-based networking for AI clusters * Develop validation methodologies for AI traffic patterns and workloads * Develop networking validation strategies for functionality, performance, scale, interoperability, resiliency * Characterize network behavior under AI workloads and automate stress and performance qualification * Lead end-to-end debugging across layers and implement corrective actions using fleet telemetry * Build and improve network observability, telemetry, and monitoring tooling * Improve engineering productivity through automated testing and network health assessment frameworks Tasks * 8+ years of NW HW development experience * 8+ years of GPU-based SU/SO development experience * 8+ years of hands-on HS interface architecture and development * Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience * Ability to meet Microsoft security screening requirements Key requirements * ## Related Videos - [Agentic AI - From Theory to Practice: Developing Multi-Agent AI Systems on Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1532-agentic-ai-from-theory-to-practice-developing-multi-agent-ai-systems-on-azure) - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [A Technical Introduction to Bitcoin's 2nd Layer- The Lightning Network](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/15-a-technical-introduction-to-bitcoin-s-2nd-layer-the-lightning-network) - [Building the Nervous System of AI - Michael Kagan (NVIDIA)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2133-building-the-nervous-system-of-ai-michael-kagan-nvidia) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence)