Now Hiring: Microsoft/Novell Interoperability Labs

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by Sam Ramji on January 30, 2007 12:30pm

Back in November 2006, Microsoft and Novell committed to a long-term technical collaboration between the two companies.  The agreement covers several areas - Virtualization, Office OpenXML/ODF interoperability, WS-Management interoperability, and directory federation.

With my colleagues at Novell, I am opening a Joint Interoperability Lab.  This lab will be around for the long term, and will focus on interoperable virtualization between the Windows and SLES.  This lab will be part of the product engineering teams for both companies.

In order to get the best candidates for this lab, I'm posting the job descriptions here and inviting the Port 25 community to contact me directly if you're interested in one of the positions.  With Novell's permission, I am also posting the Novell job descriptions for their openings in the lab.

There are two position types: Program Manager (PM) and Software Design Engineer in Test (SDE/T).

To inquire about the Novell opportunities, please contact Brad Cutler, Director of Engineering at Novell (mailto:brcutler@novell.com)

To inquire about the Microsoft opportunities, please contact me (Sam Ramji, Director of Platform Technology Strategy) at mailto:sramji@microsoft.com.

Microsoft: Software Design Engineer in Test, Linux Interoperability

Do you want to be part of a group that is changing the future of the operating system platform at Microsoft? Due to recent developments in the Server and Tool Business division at Microsoft, we are looking for an experienced Software Development Engineer in Test who can take on the challenging role of qualifying Microsoft’s new Longhorn Server Hypervisor based virtual machine solution in a collaborative project with Novell. This position will require candidates with substantial knowledge of Microsoft’s device driver models; strong experience in developing and testing software written in C, C++ or C#; working knowledge of Linux (preferably SLES); and knowledge of Microsoft’s server class feature and applications.

We are looking for an individual contributor with broad technical experience and a passion for developing skills in new areas. Strong planning and test design are key attributes of a successful candidate. It is essential that candidates have a proven track record of working independently and excellent communication skills. A BS (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering is required. We are looking for individuals who possess a strong drive for results and a passion for understanding and meeting the needs of our customers. Familiarity with Microsoft’s testing standards, processes, and tools would be a benefit. If you want to challenge your technical expertise then this is the right team for you!

Novell: Software Design Engineer in Test, Windows Interoperability

We are looking for an experienced Software Development Engineer in Test who can take on the challenging role of qualifying SLES10 based virtual machine solution in a collaborative project with Microsoft. This position will require candidates with substantial knowledge of Linux device driver models; strong experience in developing and testing software written in C, C++ and various scripting languages; working knowledge of Microsoft server environment ; and knowledge of server class feature and applications on Linux.

We are looking for an individual contributor with broad technical experience and a passion for developing skills in new areas. Strong planning and test design are key attributes of a successful candidate. It is essential that candidates have a proven track record of working independently and excellent communication skills. A BS (or equivalent) degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering is required. We are looking for individuals who possess a strong drive for results and a passion for understanding and meeting the needs of our customers. Familiarity with Linux testing standards, processes, and tools would be a benefit. If you want to challenge your technical expertise then this is the right team for you!

Microsoft: Program Manager, Linux Interoperability

Be a part of the Platform Technology Strategy team, drive change and make a difference.

This highly visible senior program management position will have the opportunity to work in one of the core areas of growth for Microsoft. The Platform Technology Strategy group is the engine for technical analysis, including the Linux/Open Source Software labs. Our goal is to provide deep and relevant technical analysis and to deliver strategic guidance and messaging from this research.

The main focus of this position is to drive interoperability between Linux and Windows, including planning and leading the Microsoft/Novell Joint Interoperability Lab.  This is a multi-million dollar, multi-year effort that will ensure high performance and availability of both SUSE Linux on Viridian and Longhorn Server on Xen.

Specific responsibilities include:

    • Lead a small team of SDE/Ts in virtualization product development, including direct engagement with both Microsoft and Novell virtualization engineering teams
    • Drive influence across development and product planning organizations by analyzing key customer and strategic trends, including direct involvement with Fortune 100 customers 
    • Engage with Open Source communities to drive understanding of the value and technical depth of this work
    • Key contributor to Microsoft's Interoperability Roadmap
    • Scale impact of interoperability work across the company, including worldwide field engagement

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with strong business acumen and a strong background in technology. Candidates need strong leadership abilities with proven experience leading technical teams and delivering significant and provable results. Candidates need demonstrated excellent problem resolution and decision making skills and be able to deliver results on multiple projects in a complex, fast-moving environment.

This is a high visibility role that involves strategic and technical communication at all levels. You should have a proven track record in analyzing technologies, and building programs to respond accordingly. In addition, you will have proven excellence in cross group collaborative projects, including the very important ability to drive non-reporting groups to perform and deliver. You should also have a track record of starting, building, and finishing large projects.   The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of related industry experience in software development and one or more of the following: strategic consulting, program management, IT management, partner engineering management, and/or server industry marketing.

A technical background is very important to succeed in this role. 25% travel will be required.  Some international travel may be involved.  A BS/BA degree required; MS degree preferred.