Electrical Engineer - Data Centre

London, England, United Kingdom

12/19/2024

Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Data centre Engineering (DCE) team is responsible for delivering core datacenter infrastructure for Microsoft’s cloud business. The MS portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year datacentre construction and lease projects.

We are looking for a passionate, high energy senior Chartered electrical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to deliver core electrical engineering expertise to our Consultant Architectural Engineering firm (AE’s) and internal stakeholders enabling Microsoft to design and build best-in-class cloud infrastructure worldwide that powers the world’s largest online services.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Data Centre MEP Director, the Data Centre Design Electrical Subject Matter Expert will provide key input to other organizations and stakeholders. The role requires extensive experience in data center and substation electrical engineering, design, construction and operations. The successful applicant provide key technical input and will manage, review and coordinate the delivery of complex data center electrical systems, power distribution systems and backup power systems.

Candidate will be responsible for managing our hired consultants making sure they engineer and design to our Microsoft standards. Candidate will also work on the technical review and analysis of the lease and colocation data center from external providers for compliance with Microsoft requirements

Initially this position will primarily support network growth/upgrade and existing site refresh to align with the Microsoft Corporation datacenter capacity roadmap for the EMEA region.  

This position will require collaboration and management of both internal and external resources for the design, coordination and delivery of discipline-specific systems aligning with both Microsoft and site-specific requirements.

Core Responsibilities: 

As the Electrical Subject Matter Expert (SME), the candidate provides key input to other organizations and stakeholders and is responsible for leading workgroups with representatives from Consultant AE firms, other disciplines and other key stakeholders within Microsoft. This position requires a detailed understanding of data centre electrical design, controls and operational experience. The SME will be responsible for

• Supporting the network growth/upgrade existing site refresh project pipeline across the EMEA - Region, including:
• Working with external and internal stakeholders
• Work with the team to propose and develop possible solutions
• Collaborate with on-site operations teams to perform feasibility / Gap analysis for conversion of existing data centre spaces to new / upgraded uses.
• Provide technical expertise and make design decisions related to data centre projects including new construction, expansions, retrofits, upgrades and provide input to the global standards.
• Critical assessments of designs and decisions and support in applying the required standards and country-specific regulations to make the best design choices.
• Engage and manage external design consultants (AE’s), run design workshops to ensure they deliver a design to meet the requirements of the Basis of Design (BOD).
• Collaboration with Global Technical Excellence team, Global Strategy team and DC Operations teams to develop data centre designs from Basis of Design (BOD) to Issue For Construction (IFC) and through the Construction Administration phase of the datacentre until handover for new project build outs.
• Some travel to sites for “Factory Witness Testing”, consultant/vendor interaction in the design process, as well as for final commissioning of the installed systems. Duties include the technical review of electrical and controls design documents from lease providers to ensure Microsoft requirements are met.
• Collaboration with internal and external customers, lead the direction of the electrical designs and oversee the delivery of multiple, concurrent, complete data centre design solutions aligned with scopes, schedule and budgets of the projects.
• Supporting requests, liaise with customers to develop specific project design requirements, liaise and collaborate with other Microsoft engineering teams and Operations providing support as and when required for new and existing data centres.
• Have excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.  
• Must be able to work with other technical and non-technical groups in a collaborative manner 
  

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a Chartered electrical engineer with expertise in data center electrical power engineering. A team player able to work in a multi-disciplined engineering team designing Microsoft Data Centers globally and possess the skills to work in a fast paced multi project environment. Ideal candidate is knowledgeable in power generation and transmission topologies. Having a firm understanding of the electrical distribution system design and monitoring requirements for mission critical environment.

• Extensive technical engineering experience
• OR Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND technical engineering experience
• OR Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field AND technical engineering experience
• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related engineering field with experience in consulting engineering and experience as lead engineer.
• Chartered Engineer with experience in mission critical projects with in-depth knowledge and understanding of mission critical environments.
• Technical understanding of mission critical environments.
• In-depth knowledge of design, operation and maintenance of electrical systems including uninterruptible power sources, diesel generators, electrical switchgear, power distribution units, and automatic/static transfer switches.
• In-depth knowledge of relays, protection schemes, high-voltage distribution system, power and distribution transformers, earthing and switching.
• In depth knowledge of data centre and substation design
• Ability to manage, prioritize and successfully execute multiple concurrent mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Ability to lead team of engineers in advanced engineering and operational processes and procedures as they relate to large data centre environments.
• Extensive experience and ability to work on Design & Build (D&B) and Design Bid Build (DBB) projects
• Knowledge of construction techniques and terminology including the ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documents is essential. 
• Must possess strong leadership competencies and willingness to collaborate and work cross- functionally to maximize business results and positive customer experiences. 
• Experience managing both internal and external vendors, with a proven ability to manage and monitor progress to ensure objectives are achieved for outsourced project efforts.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills at varying levels of business up to and including business executives.
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills.
• Excellent problem solving, judgement, team building and decision-making skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
  
  

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.  

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.