Principal Hardware Architect

Job Title

Principal Hardware Architect

Role Summary

Lead the architecture and development of a custom memory controller for Microsoft’s Cobalt CPU platform, supporting current and next-generation memory technologies. Work with product, platform, hardware, software, verification, performance modeling, and vendor teams to deliver high-performance, reliable SoC memory subsystems.

Position sits in Microsoft Silicon, Cloud Hardware, and Infrastructure Engineering (SCHIE) within the Compute Silicon & Manufacturing Engineering (CSME) organization responsible for custom SoC design and delivery for Azure infrastructure.

Experience Level

Senior (principal-level). Posted minimum experience guidance: PhD + 3 years, Master's + 6 years, Bachelor's + 8 years, or equivalent experience as stated in the posting.

Responsibilities

Design and drive memory controller architecture and related system-level optimizations.

• Architect and develop memory controller IP for DDR/HBM/LPDDR and emerging memory types.
• Review and evaluate memory technology roadmaps (DDR5/DDR6, LPDDR, HBM, CXL-based memory, RDIMM/MRDIMM, LP-MRDIMM, etc.).
• Collaborate with micro-architects, verification, validation, performance modeling, and platform teams to bring features into production.
• Evaluate vendor IP and make recommendations for integration.
• Develop cycle-approximate controller models and analyze SOC/platform workload performance.
• Engage with strategic planning, architecture, and internal customers to identify full-stack optimization opportunities.
• Coordinate across teams to reach consensus solutions and drive delivery.

Requirements

Core technical and compliance requirements for the role.

• Proven track record architecting and delivering memory controller designs or equivalent practical experience in SoC memory subsystems.
• Experience with memory IP evaluation and vendor engagement.
• Experience with performance modeling and analysis of memory subsystem behavior under real workloads.
• Strong collaboration skills across hardware, software, verification, and product teams.
• Ability to meet Microsoft Cloud Background Check and any required security screenings.
• Eligibility to access export-controlled information; candidate must provide proof of citizenship or lawful residency as required for export control assessment.

Nice-to-have:

• Delivered architecture/design/verification specs for multiple generations of memory controllers.
• Familiarity with JEDEC specs for DDR, HBM, or LPDDR.
• Experience with SoC memory hierarchy design and knowledge of emerging memory technologies.

Education Requirements

Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field plus 3+ years technical engineering experience; OR Master’s in those fields plus 6+ years; OR Bachelor’s in those fields plus 8+ years; OR equivalent practical experience. Fields noted: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical disciplines.

Typical base pay range for this role across the U.S.: USD 142,800 - 274,800 per year. Different ranges apply for specific metropolitan areas; see additional benefits and pay information.

About the Company

Company: Microsoft

Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops and sells software, services, devices, and solutions. Known for its Windows operating system, Office suite, and Azure cloud platform, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations around the world to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, focusing on delivering trusted experiences to customers and partners globally.