Cloud Network Engineer II

Join Us at the Cutting Edge of AI and Optical Networking. Are you excited by the idea of shaping the future where light meets intelligence? Do you want to work on technology that powers AI superclusters, connecting thousands of GPUs and CPUs with blazing-fast optical links? If you're passionate about next-gen networking and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), this is your chance to make an impact.

As a Cloud Network Engineer II, you'll design and deploy CPO-based architectures that redefine how data moves at scale; Build self-healing, adaptive networks that keep AI workloads running flawlessly; Push the boundaries of automation and programmability in optical systems; Collaborate with world-class engineers while enjoying flexibility, work remotely when you need focus, and join us in the lab when innovation calls.

You'll work at the intersection of optics and AI, solving challenges no one has tackled before, gain hands-on experience with CPO technology, the future of high-density, energy-efficient interconnects, be part of a team that's shaping the backbone of AI infrastructure for the next decade.

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• Optical Network Design for AI Networks: Lead the development of cutting-edge designs for optical network components, ensuring they're tailored for AI applications. Create comprehensive Bills of Materials (BoMs) for datacenters and ensure designs meet all vital functional, performance, and compliance benchmarks.
• Optical Transceiver Implementation: Transition high-level optical designs into tangible low-level implementations. Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to drive the evolution of optical infrastructure within existing and future datacenters.
• Optical Engine Testing & Validation: Spearhead testing initiatives specific to optical transceivers, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance with AI demands. Use advanced testing methodologies to validate optical transceiver firmware and configurations, emphasizing accuracy and reliability.
• Operational Oversight of Optical Networks: Vigilantly monitor optical network telemetry, diagnose patterns indicating potential issues, and leverage diagnostic tools to ensure the robustness of optical networks and minimal service disruptions.
• Enhanced Automation & Continuous Improvement: Champion the creation and optimization of automated tools aimed at bolstering the efficiency of optical network operations. Regularly suggest and implement improvements based on real-world observations and insights.
• Incident Management & Resolution: Act as a first responder during optical network incidents, utilizing deep technical knowledge for diagnostics and swift resolution. Engage in thorough post-incident analyses to derive lessons and fortify network resilience.
• Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Synergy: Actively share optical-centric knowledge across teams, ensuring seamless project flow and optimal network implementation. Seek feedback and insights to continually refine the optical infrastructure.

Qualifications:

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field AND 1+ year(s) technical experience in network design, development, and automation
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field AND 2+ years technical experience in network design, development, and automation
  • OR equivalent experience
• Experienced with silicon photonics (SiPh) device blocks: modulators, couplers/gratings, MZIs, TIAs/Drivers, and fiber attach processes (MT ferrule, v-groove, active/passive alignment).
• Experienced with SerDes at 112G-224G PAM4 (lane equalization, CTLE/DFE, FFE, TX FIR tuning, crosstalk mitigation), and Signal Integrity fundamentals: S-parameters, insertion/return loss, eye diagrams, COM analysis, Power Integrity and clocking/jitter analysis across dense CPO substrates.
• 1+ years experience in IM-DD optical technologies, including PAM4 and NRZ signaling used in high-speed data center interconnects.
• 1+ years experience with optical transceiver characterization using instruments such as BERTs, high-speed oscilloscopes, and optical spectrum analyzers.
• Familiar with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet optics standards (e.g., 400G/800G DR4, FR4, LR4, SR4) and relevant compliance test specifications.

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.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
  • OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field AND 3+ years technical experience in network design, development, and automation
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field AND 5+ years technical experience in network design, development, and automation
  • OR equivalent experience.

Cloud Network Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 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 $131,400 - $215,400 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: ;br>
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until November 10, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form .

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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