> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3020878-principal-hardware-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3020878-principal-hardware-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 Hardware Engineer

- **Company:** Microsoft
- **Location:** Austin, TX, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $142,800.0 - $274,800.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Testing (Software), Test Suite, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Online Services, C Sharp (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Computer Engineering, Data Centers, Software Debugging, Dynamic Random-Access Memory, Serial ATA, Hard Disk Drives, Firmware, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Microsoft Software, Windows PowerShell, Reliability Engineering, SAS (Software), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Software Engineering, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Strategies of Testing, Xbox Linux, Diagnostic Tools, Scripting, Computer Network Operations, Storage Devices, Reliability of Systems, Storage Technologies, Information Technology, Search Engines, Data Management, Nvme
- **Published:** September 21, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-hardware-engineer-austin-tx--cf0e1993-ef20-4c1b-a969-2fd436bee10c

## About the Role

Required/minimum qualifications

 * Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience

Other 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., * 8+ years of experience working with enterprise storage technologies, including HDDs, SSDs, SAS, SATA, or NVMe devices, with demonstrated expertise in storage architecture, performance, reliability, and failure analysis.
 * 5+ years of experience leading development of validation strategies, qualification programs, test methodologies, or automated test frameworks for hardware products.
 * Proven experience leading cross-functional technical initiatives and influencing product quality, validation requirements, or engineering roadmaps across suppliers, partners, and internal engineering organizations.
 * Masters Degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
 * Deep expertise in HDD technologies, including HAMR, SMR, PMR, SAS/SATA protocols, storage reliability, firmware behavior, and large-capacity enterprise storage systems.
 * Experience defining device qualification strategies, certification programs, or validation standards for hyperscale cloud, datacenter, or enterprise storage deployments.
 * Experience collaborating directly with storage device suppliers to influence product design, validation methodologies, debugging efforts, and quality improvement initiatives.
 * Proficiency in test automation, software development, and data analysis using Python, C#, PowerShell, or similar languages.
 * Experience with industry standards and specifications, including OCP, NVMe, SPC, SCSI, ATA, TCG, and related storage technologies.
 * Proven track record of driving complex technical decisions, influencing engineering direction across organizations, and delivering large-scale quality or reliability improvements.
 * Experience leveraging AI, automation, or advanced analytics to improve engineering productivity, qualification efficiency, or failure analysis workflows.

#azurehwjobs #SCHIE #AMS #DRAM #memory #HDD #HBA #SAS #SATA #NVMe #storage

Hardware 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., Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Background Investigation, CDL Driver's License, Cloud Computing, Computer Engineering, Computer Firmware, Computer Science, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Customer Experience, DRAM, Data Analysis, Debugging Skills, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Failure Analysis, Functional Testing, Hard Drives, Hardware Quality Assurance, Host Bus Adapter (HBA), Industry Standards, Interoperability, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mechanical Engineering, Memory Hardware, Mentoring, Microsoft Bing Search Engine, Microsoft C# (C Sharp), Microsoft Certifications, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Windows Azure, Network Operations Center, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Product Design, Product Testing, Productivity Management, Programming Methodologies, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Quality Assurance, Quality Assurance Methodology, Quality Engineering, Quality Management, Reliability Analysis, Reliability
Engineering, Requirements Validation/Verification, Root Cause Analysis, SCSI Bus, Sales Qualification, Serial ATA (SATA), Software Testing, Solid State Drive (SSD), Storage Architecture, Strategic Planning, Technical Analysis, Technical Leadership, Telemetry, Test Automation, Test Harness, Test Plan/Schedule, Test Requirements, Test Suite, Testing, Validation Testing, Vehicle Fleets, Windows PowerShell, Workflow Analysis, Xbox

## Description

The Azure Memory & Storage (AMS) Commodity Quality and Validation Engineering (CQVE) team is responsible for ensuring storage device quality, reliability, and compliance before deployment at Azure scale. We are seeking a highly motivated HDD Lead Engineer to drive the Certified Device List (CDL) qualification program for hard disk drives (HDDs). This role will lead HDD qualification strategy, develop and enhance validation test suites, translate industry and Microsoft requirements into test procedures, partner closely with HDD suppliers, and drive continuous quality improvements based on fleet learnings. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high-quality HDD solutions that meet Azures reliability, performance, security, and compatibility requirements while helping prevent validation escapes and fleet-impacting issues, * Translate Microsoft, OCP, security, reliability, and platform requirements into comprehensive HDD validation strategies, test plans, and qualification procedures.

 * Design, develop, and maintain automated HDD CDL test suites covering functionality, performance, reliability, power, security, interoperability, and fleet-specific validation scenarios
 * Analyze fleet learnings, field incidents, and validation escapes to identify coverage gaps and drive continuous enhancement of HDD qualification methodologies and test content.
 * Partner closely with HDD suppliers to review qualification results, debug failures, assess corrective actions, and ensure compliance with Microsoft quality and certification requirements
 * Lead technical discussions with cross-functional teams including platform engineering, storage architecture, reliability engineering, and datacenter operations to align qualification requirements with Azure deployment needs.
 * Perform deep technical analysis of HDD failures using protocol traces, logs, telemetry, and diagnostic data to identify root causes and drive issue resolution with suppliers
 * Drive qualification readiness for next-generation HDD technologies and ensure new devices meet Azure requirements for reliability, performance, compatibility, security, and serviceability
 * Influence industry specifications, Microsoft validation standards, and supplier test methodologies by identifying opportunities to improve qualification coverage and overall device quality.
 * Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership in storage validation, test development, qualification practices, and HDD technology advancements.


## Related Videos

- [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips)
- [JavaScript? No. Java Scripts! - Scripting with Java](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2094-javascript-no-java-scripts-scripting-with-java)
- [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine)
- [Developer Tools for Microsoft Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/450-developer-tools-for-microsoft-azure)
- [Intermediate Bitcoin Script](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/25-intermediate-bitcoin-script)
- [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api)

## Related Articles

- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk)
- [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies in Europe](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/162-highest-paying-tech-companies-in-europe)
- [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london)
- [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries)