Principal Firmware Engineer

As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you will be part of engineering team and collaborate with partners to develop and maintain the BIOS/UEFI portfolio, supporting infrastructure across the Azure fleet. Drive strategic objectives and key results to enhance Azure's BIOS/UEFI security posture by ensuring timely resolutions of security vulnerabilities and keeping firmware components current, thereby achieving the highest security standards across the fleet. Partnering with the Hardware New Program Initiative team and engineering counterparts, you will oversee the development of new hardware SKUs, ensuring compliance with BIOS/UEFI requirements, adherence to development schedules, comprehensive validation, and the successful execution of rollout plans for AI-driven, next-generation compute, and high-memory SKUs. Beyond leading new product introduction (NPI) hardware development, this role will champion the implementation of new BIOS/UEFI requirements to optimize performance, telemetry, and diagnostics in collaboration with cross-functional teams. Manage requirements, and feature delivery through agile execution, including sprints, backlogs, and milestones, while leading continuous planning efforts. Define, communicate, and establish vendor-agnostic requirements for innovative hardware solutions powering Azure, engaging actively with internal and external partners such as silicon vendors, ODMs, and OEMs worldwide. Doctorate in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience. 12+ years of experience with majority as a Technical Lead, or similar. Proficient in developing low-level FW or SW for HW platforms, including FW, BIOS, UEFI, EDK2, BMC, among others. Demonstrated expertise in leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, with a proven history of overseeing complex projects spanning multiple disciplines and business groups. Experience managing the product lifecycle from project inception through release, with the capability to guide teams toward realizing strategic visions. Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments, balance multiple priorities, and drive resolution with a commitment to quality. Advanced problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking, with the capacity to develop and monitor success metrics for designated areas. Strong ability to synthesize information and communicate solutions to intricate technical challenges with effective presentations across all levels of the organization, both technical and non-technical. Background in firmware / software development, testing strategies, and requirements definition. Familiarity with end-to-end CPU/SoC product development processes. Experience with data center hardware/software projects, from concept through deployment. Technically adept, capable of addressing complex problems, and able to work independently. Over 10+ years of experience in software development using one or more programming languages such as C, C++, C#, Python, etc.