Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer - Microsoft Digital

Microsoft$142K — $274K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field with 6+ years coding experience (C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python) or equivalent experience.
  • Preferred Master's Degree in a technical field with 8+ years coding experience, or a Bachelor's with 12+ years experience, or equivalent.
  • 5+ years experience as a technology or solution architect for enterprise-scale platforms, focusing on security and scalability.
  • 3+ years architecting or building enterprise-scale Agentic platforms.
  • Experience in build-vs-buy decision-making; capable of prioritizing business outcomes over building.
  • Proven ability to influence product teams without formal authority, with credibility in technical discussions.
  • Strong grounding in AI/agentic architecture and modern cloud patterns (Azure).

Responsibilities

  • Translate business challenges into technical solutions by collaborating with PM and business operations.
  • Continuously assess industry trends and Microsoft solutions to provide strategic advice for corporate functions.
  • Manage relationships with Microsoft first-party product teams, advocating for requirements and resolving dependencies.
  • Evaluate make-vs-buy decisions with integrity, recommending external solutions when appropriate.
  • Offer architectural guidance that spans across workplace operations and legal domains to ensure technical coherence.
  • Lead the design of reference architecture for agentic services in conjunction with engineering teams.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for benefits and additional compensation based on role.
  • Access to a structured governance framework for technical decisions.
  • Opportunities for continuous professional development in advanced technology sectors.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities
  • Business-to-tech translation. Partner with PM and business-ops leaders across GWS and CELA to turn ambiguous business problems into clear solution approaches with a defensible build-vs-buy-vs-adopt recommendation.
  • Technical direction & foresight. Continuously scan industry and internal Microsoft solutions (AI/agentic platforms, workplace tech, legal/CLM, eDiscovery) and advise where Corporate Functions should place its bets to stay ahead.
  • 1P product partnership. Own the relationships with Microsoft first-party product teams (Copilot, M365, Azure AI, Dynamics, etc.), representing our requirements, influencing roadmaps, and unblocking dependencies.
  • Build-vs-buy stewardship. Bring rigor and honesty to make-vs-buy decisions; be willing and able to say, "don't build this" and route to a 1P or 3P solution when that serves the business better.
  • Architecture across domains. Provide cross-cutting architectural guidance spanning workplace operations (GWS) and legal/immigration/contracts (CELA), ensuring coherence, reuse, and a common technical foundation as the two orgs converge.
  • Agentic-AI leadership. Shape the reference architecture for our agentic services and AI-native engineering direction, in partnership with the SWE managers and Engineering Excellence.

What Success Looks Like (First 6-12 Months)
  • A clear, socialized technical direction and reference architecture for Corporate Functions' agentic bets.
  • Documented build-vs-buy framework applied to at least the top strategic programs.
  • Established, active relationships with the key 1P product teams our roadmap depends on.
  • At least one significant "adopt/buy instead of build" decision that saves cost or accelerates delivery.


Qualifications

Required 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.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years experience as a technology or solution architect, setting technical direction for enterprise-scale platforms, with focus on security and scale.
  • 3+ years of architecting and/or building enterprise-scale Agentic platforms.
  • Prior depth in at least one of the domains - digital workplace or legal tech, along with the appetite to master unfamiliar domains.
  • Experience in Demonstrated build-vs-buy judgment. Ability to no to building and ground to the business outcomes.
  • Track record influencing product/partner teams without formal authority; credible in senior technical rooms.
  • Strong grounding in AI/agentic architecture and modern cloud (Azure) patterns.
  • Gravitas to challenge and align senior engineering managers on technical direction.


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
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Microsoft

  • Microsoft
    Senior Language Engineer
    $119K — $234K *
    Mountain View, CA 94040 (Santa Clara County)
    Consumer Technology
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Firmware Engineer
    $85K — $168K *
    Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (Santa Clara County)
    Telecommunications & Hardware
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Sourcing Engineer II - Mechanical
    $102K — $202K *
    Redmond, WA 98052 (King County)
    Consumer Technology
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Firmware Engineer
    $85K — $168K *
    Redmond, WA 98052 (King County)
    Telecommunications & Hardware
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Firmware Engineer
    $85K — $168K *
    Raleigh, NC 27610 (Wake County)
    Telecommunications & Hardware
    In-Person

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Software Engineer - Microsoft Digital jobs: