Microsoft

Principal Security Engineer

Microsoft • $142K — $274K *
Mountain View, CA 94040In-Person
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field with 6+ years of experience in relevant coding languages (C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python) or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in security-critical code development (preferred).
  • + Demonstrable skills in Rust, C, C++ for embedded systems (preferred).
  • Experience with ROM, Bootloader, and embedded runtime development (preferred).
  • Familiarity with cryptographic algorithms and protocols (preferred).
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills across multiple subsystems (preferred).
  • Experience in pre-silicon environments (preferred).

Responsibilities

  • Designed and developed firmware for Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and security accelerators.
  • Contributed to all phases of product development for security-focused System on Chips (SoCs).
  • Defined and implemented bootloader and kernel architectures for secure system initialization.
  • Developed firmware supporting security protocols, key management, and cryptographic services.
  • Optimized secure boot flows ensuring trusted device startup and firmware integrity.
  • Diagnosed and resolved firmware issues through debugging and troubleshooting.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver secure embedded solutions.

Benefits

  • Access to health and wellness resources.
  • Flexible work arrangements.
  • Opportunities for professional development.
  • Employee discounts and perks.
  • Comprehensive retirement plans.
Full Job Description
Overview

Join the Systems Planning and Architecture (SPARC) team within Microsoft's Azure Hardware Systems and Infrastructure (AHSI) organization, the team behind Microsoft's expanding Cloud Infrastructure and for powering Microsoft's "Intelligent Cloud" mission. Microsoft delivers more than 200 online services to more than one billion individuals worldwide, and AHSI is the team behind our expanding cloud infrastructure. We deliver the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's cloud businesses including Microsoft Azure, Bing, MSN, Office 365, OneDrive, Skype, Teams and Xbox Live.

The SPARC organization manages Azure's hardware roadmap from architecture concept through production for all of Microsoft's current and future on-line services. This role is for a Principal Security Engineer with a background in security protocols and secure hardware design. You will be involved with all phases of product development, from secure silicon design through manufacturing and supply chain, and into high scale deployment. At the design phase, you will work with security threat model team and be responsible for the silicon security architecture and design of low-level hardware accelerators.

Responsibilities

  • Designed and developed firmware for Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), security accelerators, and Root of Trust (RoT) solutions.
  • Contributed to all phases of product development, including architecture, design, implementation, integration, and validation for security-focused SoCs.
  • Defined and implemented bootloader and embedded kernel architectures to support secure and reliable system initialization.
  • Developed secure firmware supporting security protocols, key management, attestation, and cryptographic services.
  • Implemented and optimized secure boot flows to ensure trusted device startup and firmware integrity.
  • Wrote, debugged, and optimized embedded firmware with a focus on performance, reliability, and security.
  • Diagnosed and resolved complex firmware issues through root cause analysis, debugging, and troubleshooting.
  • Applied cryptographic principles and security protocols to protect embedded systems and hardware assets.
  • Developed firmware for embedded devices running Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), utilizing OS primitives such as task scheduling, interrupts, threading, synchronization, and memory management.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional hardware, software, and security engineering teams to deliver secure embedded solutions.
  • Ensured firmware compliance with security requirements and industry best practices for trusted computing environments.


Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.


Other Requirements:
  • 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:
  • 10+ years of professional experience designing, developing security critical code.
  • Familiarity with standard Cryptography algorithms
  • Familiarity with secure boots, attestation, recovery
  • Problem solving, debugging, and troubleshooting skills, advanced design and development skills.
  • Experienced with ROM, Bootloader, and embedded runtime development.
  • Ability to debug and resolve issues spanning multiple subsystems.
  • Proven and demonstrable skill in Rust, C, C++.
  • Experience in working in pre silicon environments.
  • Familiar with PCIe, NVME, I3C, I2C, SPI, SPI-FLAS


Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. Microsoft’s devices and consumer (D&C) licensing segment licenses the Windows operating system and related software, Microsoft Office for consumers, and the Windows Phone operating system. The company’s computing and gaming hardware segment provides Xbox gaming and entertainment consoles and accessories, second-party and third-party video games, and Xbox Live subscriptions; surface devices and accessories; and Microsoft PC accessories. Its phone hardware segment offers Lumia smartphones and other non-Lumia phones. Its D&C segment provides Windows Store, Xbox Live transactions, and Windows phone store; search advertising; display advertising; Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal; first-party video games; and other consumer products and services as well as operating retail stores. Microsoft’s commercial licensing segments license server products, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs); Windows Embedded; Windows operating system; Microsoft Office for business, including Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and related CALs; Microsoft Dynamics business solutions; and Skype. Its commercial segment offers enterprise services, including premier support services and Microsoft consulting services; commercial cloud comprising Office 365 Commercial, other Microsoft Office online offerings, Dynamics CRM Online, and Microsoft Azure; and other commercial products and online services. The company markets and distributes its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers, as well as online.

Microsoft Careers

Join Microsoft today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity in its workforce. As a global leader in technology and digital transformation, Microsoft offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Explore Career Opportunities at Microsoft

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate eager to start your career, Microsoft has a position that suits your skills and ambitions. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where every team member is supported in expanding their horizons.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Microsoft internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment. You'll work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in technology.

Employment Benefits

Choosing a career at Microsoft means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to empower them both professionally and personally. These include comprehensive health benefits, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement through professional development and diversity training.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

At Microsoft, we believe that innovation comes from diversity of thought and inclusion. We are committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired. Our leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives lead to breakthrough innovations and a competitive edge.

Grow with Us

Career growth at Microsoft is about more than climbing the corporate ladder; it's about continuous learning, expanding your skills, and improving your capabilities. With access to various leadership and training programs, you can evolve as a professional and make a significant impact within the company and on the global stage.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify true potential. Starting with a review of your resume, followed by interviews that assess your problem-solving abilities and cultural fit, we ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to demonstrate their strengths and potential to contribute to our team.

Networking and Professional Development

Microsoft is a place where you can build a professional network that spans the globe. Our employees benefit from connections with top-tier professionals and industry leaders, which opens doors to innovative projects and collaborative opportunities that are second to none.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and make a difference in the world of technology, explore the job opportunities at Microsoft. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare to embark on a rewarding career path filled with innovation and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Microsoft Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Get tailored content that aligns with your career preferences and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Microsoft.

SEARCH MICROSOFT JOBS

At Microsoft, your future is limitless. Join us in our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Your journey with Microsoft starts here.
Learn more about Microsoft
Size
181,000 employees
Market Cap
$1,762.4 billion
Industry
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ
MSFT
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Microsoft

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Security Engineer jobs:

NationwideMountain View, CA