Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer, Windows Apps & Developer Ecosystem

Microsoft$150K — $180K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field with 6+ years of coding experience in languages like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
  • Ability to meet Microsoft security screening requirements, including a Cloud Background Check
  • 10+ years building and shipping native applications on Windows or modern client platforms (preferred)
  • Experience with app store ecosystems (preferred)
  • Deep expertise in Windows application development and developer tooling (preferred)
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills to engage with various stakeholders (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Build trusted relationships with developers and Microsoft teams to support successful app publication and growth
  • Lead complex technical engagements focusing on application architecture and lifecycle management
  • Design and develop developer-facing services, SDKs, and tools that enhance app development on Windows
  • Represent the developer ecosystem by translating feedback and market trends into product strategy
  • Own and drive cross-team initiatives from discovery to implementation while ensuring high quality and reliability
  • Define success metrics for developer engagements and utilize data to improve experiences

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and resources
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Potential to influence product strategy and roadmap
  • Flexibility in working with cross-functional teams
Full Job Description
Responsibilities
  • Build trusted relationships with developers, ISVs, and Microsoft product teams, helping them publish and grow successful applications on Windows.
  • Lead complex technical engagements across application architecture, distribution, commerce, analytics, and lifecycle management.
  • Design and build developer-facing services, SDKs, APIs, and tooling that simplify app development, increase platform adoption, and help developers succeed on Windows.
  • Represent the voice of the developer ecosystem by translating customer feedback, market trends, and industry insights into platform strategy, product investments, and roadmap priorities.
  • Own ambiguous, cross-team initiatives from discovery and technical strategy through implementation, launch, and measurement, creating clarity across organizational boundaries and ensuring solutions meet high standards for quality, security, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Define success measures for developer engagements and platform initiatives, use feedback and data to evaluate outcomes, and apply those learnings to improve future investments and developer experiences.


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.

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 experience building and shipping native applications on Windows or other modern client platforms.
  • Experience publishing, operating, or growing applications through an app store ecosystem.
  • Experience working directly with developers or software vendors (ISVs) to resolve complex technical challenges and drive product adoption.
  • Deep expertise in Windows application development, developer tooling, and platform technologies.
  • Deep understanding of app publishing, commerce, acquisition, engagement, and growth through the Microsoft Store.
  • Experience designing or building developer-facing SDKs, APIs, frameworks, services, or tooling.
  • Experience leading complex technical initiatives from concept through delivery, influencing without direct authority.
  • Experience with cross-platform, mobile, or desktop application ecosystems.
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with developers, engineering teams, and executive stakeholders.
  • Experience troubleshooting and optimizing application performance, distribution, monetization, and developer experience at scale.
  • Strategic mindset with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership through technical influence, innovation, and execution.

#W+DJOBS

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.

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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

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