Director, Global Forensics Engineering
Microsoft · Redmond, WA
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- On site
- Full-time
- $274,800 / year
- Redmond, WA
Job highlights
- Lead global forensics engineering at Microsoft.
- Drive risk reduction via root cause analysis.
- Develop forensic frameworks and best practices.
- Lead cross-functional teams for systemic improvements.
- Shape datacenter reliability worldwide.
About the role
Director, Global Forensics Engineering
Microsoft Cloud Infrastructure and Operations (CO+I) is the engine that powers Microsoft's cloud services. The group is responsible for designing, building, and operating Microsoft’s global datacenters; managing the programmatic delivery of our critical infrastructure design, equipment procurement, construction delivery, infrastructure innovation, demand planning and capacity utilization of our unified infrastructure; and responsible for all operations needed to run the physical infrastructure. 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 200+ online businesses including Azure, Office 365, Bing, Xbox Live, Skype, and OneDrive. 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.
CO+I’s Forensic Engineering team drives systemic risk reduction by embedding root cause analysis (RCA) lessons into operational standards across Microsoft’s global datacenter fleet. We lead investigations into high-severity incidents, establish forensic best practices, and deliver insights that safeguard reliability, availability, and resilience at scale. We are seeking a motivated and experienced Director, Global Forensics Engineering to champion these efforts and shape the future of datacenter reliability worldwide.
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.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Post-Incident Governance: Oversee RCA reviews, validate corrective actions, and ensure compliance with global standards.
- Risk Assessment & Containment: Implement temporary countermeasures and develop long-term solutions to prevent recurrence.
- Define Standards: Establish forensic frameworks, evidence handling protocols, and reliability metrics.
- Innovation: Advance forensic techniques, integrate telemetry and predictive analytics for proactive detection and prevention.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Lead cross-functional teams, engage senior stakeholders, and manage global programs for systemic improvements.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive operational excellence through data-driven insights and best practices. Embody our culture and values
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience
- 4+ years people management experience
- Experience integrating telemetry, predictive analytics, and AI-driven tools into forensic processes
- Prior experience in multinational environments
- Professional certifications such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE), or equivalent.
- Proven track record in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and post-incident governance
- Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and containment strategies.
- Familiarity with forensic frameworks, evidence handling, and reliability metrics.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing global programs
- Advanced capability in failure analysis, data interpretation, and corrective action planning.
- Deep understanding of industry standards for forensic engineering (e.g., ISO, IEC)
#COICareers
Key skills/competency
- Forensic Engineering
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Incident Management
- Risk Assessment
- Reliability Engineering
- Data Analysis
- Global Program Management
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Operational Excellence
- Microsoft Azure
Skills & topics
- Director of Engineering
- Forensics Engineering
- Root Cause Analysis
- Reliability Engineering
- Incident Management
- Risk Management
- Global Operations
- Datacenter Infrastructure
- Microsoft Azure
- Leadership
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your doctorate or master's degree and extensive technical engineering experience, emphasizing RCA and people management.
- Showcase leadership: Detail your experience leading global programs and cross-functional teams in multinational environments.
- Demonstrate technical expertise: Emphasize knowledge of forensic frameworks, reliability metrics, and advanced failure analysis.
- Research Microsoft values: Align your application and interview responses with Microsoft's mission, growth mindset, and culture of inclusion.
- Prepare for security screening: Be ready for the Microsoft Cloud Background Check requirement.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Director, Global Forensics Engineering role at Microsoft?
- The primary focus of this Director, Global Forensics Engineering role at Microsoft is to lead the Forensic Engineering team within Cloud Infrastructure and Operations (CO+I). This involves driving systemic risk reduction through root cause analysis (RCA) of high-severity incidents, establishing forensic best practices, and delivering insights to enhance the reliability, availability, and resilience of Microsoft's global datacenter fleet.
- What educational background is required for the Director, Global Forensics Engineering position at Microsoft?
- The required educational background for the Director, Global Forensics Engineering position includes a Doctorate Degree in a relevant engineering field (Mechanical, Materials, Reliability, Electrical, or related) with at least 5 years of technical engineering experience, OR a Master's Degree with at least 7 years of experience, OR a Bachelor's Degree with at least 8 years of experience.
- What kind of experience is considered preferred for this role?
- Preferred experience for this role includes a higher degree with more years of experience (e.g., Doctorate with 7+ years), 4+ years of people management, experience with telemetry, predictive analytics, and AI in forensic processes, prior multinational experience, and relevant professional certifications like CRE. A proven track record in RCA, risk assessment, and managing global programs is also highly preferred.
- Does this Director, Global Forensics Engineering role involve managing people?
- Yes, people management experience is a preferred qualification for this Director, Global Forensics Engineering role. While not strictly required, having 4+ years of people management experience is highly valued and suggests that leadership and team development are key aspects of this position.
- What are the security requirements for this position at Microsoft?
- All candidates for this Director, Global Forensics Engineering role must meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements. This specifically includes passing the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire and every two years thereafter. Specific government security screenings may also be applicable depending on the role's nature.
- How does Microsoft approach continuous improvement in its operations, particularly in forensics?
- Microsoft's CO+I team emphasizes continuous improvement through data-driven insights and best practices. For the Forensic Engineering team, this means driving operational excellence by leveraging advanced forensic techniques, integrating telemetry and predictive analytics, and ensuring lessons learned from incidents are embedded into operational standards globally.
- What is the typical salary range for a Director, Global Forensics Engineering at Microsoft in the US?
- The typical base pay range for this Director, Global Forensics Engineering role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 per year. For specific high-cost locations like the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the range is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year. Additional benefits and compensation details can be found on Microsoft's careers page.