Solution Architect

The Cloud Operations + Innovation Critical Environments Systems Intelligence team is seeking a Director, CE Industrial Controls Systems (ICS) to join our team

Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers Microsoft's cloud services. The team is responsible for designing, building and operating our unified global datacenters; managing the demand planning and capacity utilization of our unified infrastructure; and responsible for all of the operations needed to run the physical infrastructure (including supply chain, hardware, power, security, and workflow teams). We focus on smart growth with an emphasis on automation, data driven engineering, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.

We deliver the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's over 200 online businesses including Bing, MSN, Office 365, Xbox Live, Skype, OneDrive and the Microsoft Azure platform. Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our portfolio is built and managed by a team of subject matter experts working 24x7x365 to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. Our core infrastructure is a target for cyber criminals, nation-state adversaries that seek to bring harm to our businesses, customers, and staff. Are you ready to help defend critical infrastructure assets?

Responsibilities

We are currently looking for a skilled and innovative CE Controls Solution Architect to join our Critical Environments Systems Intelligence team. This role is vital for enhancing our data centers' operational technology infrastructure and operation, focusing on Industrial Control Systems (ICS) for Microsoft-owned facilities.

The ideal candidate will:

Identify Improvement Areas & Innovate Solutions: Proactively identify areas for enhancement within the current DC Industrial Control Systems, propose innovative solutions to optimize operations, and ensure these solutions align with industry best practices and sustainability objectives.

Collaboration & Integration: Work collaboratively with engineering, design, and operational teams to ensure seamless integration of new solutions into existing infrastructures. This includes interfacing with global datacenter operations, security engineering teams, and datacenter design and build teams.

Monitoring & Adjustment: Post-implementation, continuously monitor the performance of integrated solutions, analyzing telemetry data to optimize availability, reliability, and efficiency. Develop action plans to address any emerging issues, ensuring the long-term success and scalability of our solutions.

Operational Consulting: Provide expert consulting to various teams, enhancing their understanding and utilization of DC Industrial Control Systems. Share insights, best practices, and standards to elevate the overall system and platform operations across the organization.

Continuous Learning & Development: Keep up with the newest developments and trends in Industrial Control Systems. Leverage advanced knowledge and emerging industry norms to drive innovative practices and maintain our competitive edge.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of Industrial Controls Systems, including sensors, logic systems, applications, VMs, databases, networks, and protocols. Familiarity with mechanical and electrical processes as they relate to control systems is essential.
• Problem Solving: Analytical and creative thinking skills, with a proven ability to conduct thorough problem analyses and develop effective solutions. Strong ability to generate both executive-level summaries and detailed reports on proposed solutions.
• Industry Experience: Proficiency in OT systems operations, designs, and documentation standards, including alarm management and cybersecurity best practices. Experience with cloud services like Azure is an advantage.
• Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership capabilities, with experience in program management and operating network and datacenter infrastructures. Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively presenting and discussing technical information to all levels of management.
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering AND extensive years of experience in data center technology program management, engineering or related to the Industrial Controls field or equivalent practical/work experience.
• Experience building and leading an Industrial Controls Engineering team for Data Center Infrastructure.
• People management experience, particularly managing a global Industrial Controls System teams
• Extensive experience in managing cross-functional, cross-organizational team projects

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering and extensive years experience in technology service management, program management, engineering or related field -- or equivalent practical/work experience.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with senior executives, partners, and customers. Experience influencing with and without authority.
• Prior experience maintaining datacenter Critical Environment systems and applications.
• In-depth knowledge of ICS protocols, architectures, and technologies, including SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and HMIs
• Certification or working knowledge of continuous improvement paradigms including, but not limited to, Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, TQM, etc.
• Working knowledge of vendor support contract terms, conditions, mechanism, and procedures.
• Ability to escalate, report and engage as needed to ensure a project is delivered as needed across teams.
• Proven history working across teams and managing stakeholders to create lasting relationships that produce valuable outcomes.
• Experience organizing and overseeing the design, engineering, and integration of multiple concurrent, complex solutions, meeting properly planned and funded budget, timeline, features/functionality.
• Demonstrated ability driving the delivery of useful documentation artifacts.
• Ability to balance competing demands for resources and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proven ability to apply clear critical thinking in complex, stressful situations.

#COICareers

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 ) .