Overview

The Cloud Network Engineer supports the design, implementation, and operation of scalable, reliable, and high‑performance network solutions for cloud and datacenter environments. This role builds technical depth across networking technologies and applies data‑driven insights to support network architecture and execution decisions, working closely with senior engineers.

The engineer contributes to the translation of high‑level network and datacenter designs into detailed, implementation‑ready artifacts, including Bills of Materials (BoMs) and low‑level design components. The role monitors network telemetry and performs foundational analysis to help identify, isolate, and understand failures, leveraging established tools, processes, and guidance from experienced engineers.

The engineer assists in identifying gaps or inefficiencies in network designs, tooling, or operational processes and contributes to the development of process or technology improvements to enhance reliability, scalability, and operational efficiency. With guidance, the role applies data analysis to evaluate a defined set of defects, incidents, or design limitations and can explain their relevance to service health, performance targets, and customer or business outcomes.

This position emphasizes learning, collaboration, and hands‑on technical contribution while building toward greater ownership and independence in network design and operations.

Responsibilities

Diagnose triage, and troubleshoot network incidents, participating in post-mortem and root cause analysis processes.
Provide instructions to datacenter or network site staff on secure repair, replacement, and maintenance of physical network hardware.
Assist in designing and improving network processes, resources, and automation tools to enhance operational efficiency.
Take part in the on-call rotation to handle any network issues.
Contribute to testing, validation, and implementation of network devices, firmware, and configurations using automation tools.
Monitor network telemetry, analyze failures, and suggest improvements to monitoring systems.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop and maintain reliable, scalable network infrastructure.
Share information across teams, proactively seek feedback, and support team-oriented behaviors and execution.

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.

Other Requirements:

Security Clearance Requirements: Candidates must be able 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:

The successful candidate must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret Clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) based on a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) with Polygraph. Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. Failure to maintain or obtain the appropriate U.S. Government clearance and/or customer screening requirements may result in employment action up to and including termination.
Clearance Verification: This position requires successful verification of the stated security clearance to meet federal government customer requirements. You will be asked to provide clearance verification information prior to an offer of employment.
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This position requires verification of U.S. citizenship due to citizenship-based legal restrictions. Specifically, this position supports United States federal, state, and/or local United States government agency customer and is subject to certain citizenship-based restrictions where required or permitted by applicable law. To meet this legal requirement, citizenship will be verified via a valid passport, or other approved documents, or verified US government Clearance

Preferred/Additional 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 of 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 of technical experience in network design, development, and automation OR
Equivalent practical experience.Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification preferred, or equivalent hands-on experience supporting enterprise network environments.

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:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

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

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Cloud Network Engineer - CTJ - Poly