Senior Hollow Core Fibre Cable Design Engineer

Overview

At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The next decade of cloud computing and artificial intelligence will require breakthroughs not only in compute and software, but also in the physical infrastructure that connects datacenters, regions and customers worldwide. Azure Fiber is developing transformative hollow-core fiber technology that is already being deployed and operationalized across the Azure Network. This is groundbreaking technology that is redefining the performance, efficiency and scale of future Azure infrastructure.

Azure Fiber’s Hollow-core fiber has demonstrated compelling performance advantages in networks across all the early field deployments and currently carries production traffic across Azure regions. The remaining challenge is deploying this technology at scale into the production infrastructure.

High density cables for Metro, Long Haul and Submarine requirements will come with new challenges to the cable design that have never been seen before.

As the Senior Cloud Network Engineer for HCF Cable Development, you will be part of a team owning significant technical problems, define engineering approaches and deliver cable technologies that improve the performance, reliability, scalability and cost effectiveness of Microsoft’s global network.

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

• Drive cable product development of new fiber-optic cable products for Metro, Long Haul and Submarine applications, translating network and fiber requirements into practical, manufacturable cable designs.
• Develop and evaluate cable architectures, materials and designs against optical, mechanical, environmental, reliability, deployment, manufacturability, supply-chain and cost requirements. Identify technical trade-offs, quantify risks and recommend solutions that meet end-to-end Azure network needs.
• Lead prototype builds, engineering trials and qualification activities. Define test plans and acceptance criteria, analyze results and drive design improvements through to qualification. Work closely with cable manufacturers and suppliers to transition new designs from engineering development into repeatable, production-ready products.
• Independently investigate and resolve complex cable design, manufacturing, qualification and deployment issues using engineering analysis, testing and structured root-cause analysis.
• Ensure cable products are suitable for real-world Azure deployments, considering installation methods, duct infrastructure, handling, jointing, environmental conditions and operational requirements.
• Set technical direction with cable manufacturers and technology partners, evaluate supplier designs and manufacturing capabilities, make evidence-based technical recommendations, and influence partner roadmaps and investment decisions to resolve issues and meet Azure requirements.
• Develop and maintain engineering specifications, product requirements, qualification plans, design documentation and technical reports, working across fiber development, optical engineering, network architecture, deployment, operations and supply chain teams to ensure cable solutions meet end-to-end network requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field AND technical experience in network design and development OR equivalent experience
• Experience developing and qualifying fibre-optic cables, telecommunications infrastructure or comparable physical network products, including ownership of complex technical work across design, manufacturing, product lifecycle management and deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering network designs into production and experience with live site accountability for a network.
• Experience of managing manufacturing partners,
• Experience working with vendors or optical suppliers on multi-year roadmaps.
• Evidence of technical leadership at senior individual-contributor level: creating clarity in ambiguous problems, setting technical direction, influencing stakeholders, reviewing designs and mentoring other engineers.

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.

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Pay and benefits

Cloud Network Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £ 74,700.00 - £ 122,600.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.

Find additional benefits and pay information here

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.