Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field AND 6+ years of engineering experience in languages like C, C++, Java, JavaScript, or Python; OR equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years engineering experience preferred OR a Master's degree with 8+ years; OR equivalent experience.
  • Experience leading architecture and delivery of complex systems across diverse teams.
  • Hands-on experience with generative AI models and coding agents in software production.
  • Proven ability to enhance engineering execution at scale with measurable outcomes.
  • Deep expertise in areas like cloud platforms or developer tooling with knowledge in adjacent fields.
  • Ability to lead through uncertainty and make effective architectural tradeoffs.

Responsibilities

  • Define the technical vision and engineering roadmap for AI-native workflows and platform capabilities.
  • Analyze software-development workflows to identify opportunities for improvement through automation.
  • Design, prototype, and build production-grade workflows and tools spanning various engineering phases.
  • Establish clear interfaces and engineering standards to facilitate collaboration among teams.
  • Evaluate AI development tools and models in production scenarios focusing on quality and performance.
  • Lead incubation projects from hypothesis to validation with engineering teams and scale as necessary.
  • Identify and evolve foundational platform capabilities to streamline engineering workflows.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance options.
  • Generous paid time off policy.
  • Retirement savings plan with company matching.
  • Professional development opportunities and training.
  • Employee discounts and wellness programs.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities
  • Define the technical vision, architecture, and engineering roadmap for major AI-native engineering workflows and platform capabilities that CEAI will build, validate, operate, and scale.
  • Analyze end-to-end software-development workflows and identify where agents, automation, and shared engineering capabilities can create the greatest value for developers and the business.
  • Design, prototype, and build production-grade agent-driven workflows, services, and tools that span planning, implementation, testing, review, deployment, operations, and learning.
  • Establish clear interfaces, engineering standards, design documents, and reusable implementation patterns that enable other teams to build on and extend the work safely.
  • Evaluate emerging AI development tools, models, and platforms in representative production scenarios, applying sound judgment to reliability, security, quality, cost, performance, and human oversight.
  • Lead 01 technical incubation from testable hypothesis to working capability, validate it with real engineering teams, and scale, redirect, or stop the work based on measurable results.
  • Identify, incubate, and evolve common foundations and platform capabilities that improve engineering workflows across the organization, then help scale and operate the resulting services and tools.
  • Own production outcomes for the capabilities you lead, including operational readiness, observability, security, reliability, performance, cost, incident response, and continuous improvement.
  • Influence technical direction across engineering organizations, resolve cross-system dependencies, and align senior stakeholders through clear technical reasoning and demonstrated results.
  • Model AI-native engineering in your own work, mentor engineers, raise the quality bar for design and implementation, and help teams adopt effective practices through working software and practical guidance.


Qualifications

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

Additional or preferred qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 10+ years of technical engineering experience OR Masters Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years of technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
  • Proven success leading the architecture and delivery of complex production systems or developer platforms across multiple teams and technical domains.
  • Hands-on experience using current generative AI models, coding agents, and engineering platforms to build production software, with demonstrated judgment about evaluation, reliability, security, and human oversight.
  • Experience improving engineering execution at organizational scale through developer workflows, engineering systems, operating practices, or developer experience, with measurable outcomes.
  • Deep technical expertise in one or more areas such as cloud platforms, distributed systems, developer tooling, identity and security, observability, CI/CD, testing infrastructure, or safe deployment, with working knowledge across adjacent areas.
  • Experience building and operating products for developers, AI-enabled engineering workflows, internal developer platforms, paved roads, developer tooling, or cloud infrastructure in complex brownfield environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, make sound architecture and engineering tradeoffs, and take capabilities from 01 through production operation and broad adoption.
  • Demonstrated ability to simplify complex technical problems, align senior stakeholders, mentor engineers, and drive durable change across a matrixed organization without direct authority.


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

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Software Engineer jobs: