Microsoft

Principal Software Engineering Manager

Microsoft • $142K — $274K *
Redmond, WA 98052In-Person
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field with 6+ years of coding experience in languages such as C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
  • Master's in Computer Science or related field with 8+ years of coding experience preferred.
  • 12+ years of coding experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
  • 4+ years of people management experience is preferred.
  • Ability to pass Microsoft security screening requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and coach a diverse engineering team in an AI-driven environment.
  • Set the technical and product direction aligned with customer and business needs.
  • Establish goals and decision-making mechanisms for predictable team delivery.
  • Foster a culture of continuous growth and high standards within the team.
  • Guide the team in adopting AI-first engineering practices to enhance execution speed and product quality.
  • Incorporate customer feedback into platform innovations for real-world solutions.
  • Ensure live site health and effective incident response protocols.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package.
  • Support for continuous learning and growth.
  • Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology.
  • Focus on a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
  • High visibility and impact in shaping user experiences.
Full Job Description
Overview

We are looking for a Principal Engineering Manager to lead an engineering team within Auth UX org - the org that builds the sign-in and sign-up experiences that are the front door to Microsoft for over a billion users. Think about the last time you signed into a Microsoft product. That moment - fast, familiar, trustworthy - is what we build. Our team owns the end-to-end authentication experience across login.microsoftonline.com and login.live.com, from the first pixel a user sees to the token that grants them access. We sweat every detail: the flow that gets someone into their account in two taps, the passwordless experience that makes a password feel archaic, the recovery journey that earns back a customer's trust when they've been locked out. We believe the best identity experience is one the user barely notices - and when they do notice it, it delights them. That means shipping passkeys that feel native, MFA flows that don't interrupt, SSPR experiences that actually work when someone is stressed and locked out, and Conditional Access policies that protect without punishing. We obsess over conversion, latency, accessibility, and clarity - because at our scale, a 1% improvement in sign-in success is millions of people getting to what they need faster. You will own team health, technical direction, and end-to-end delivery - building best-in-class identity experiences that reach every Microsoft customer, across consumer and enterprise spaces. This is a high-visibility role where great UX engineering and customer empathy translate directly into product outcomes that matter.

#MSFTSecurity, #IDENTITY

Responsibilities
  • Lead, grow, and coach a diverse and inclusive team of engineers to thrive in the fast-changing world of AI.
  • Set technical and product direction for the team, aligning engineering investments with customer needs and business priorities.
  • Create clarity and accountability by establishing goals, decision-making mechanisms, and execution rhythms that help the team deliver with predictability and impact.
  • Build a culture of ownership, inclusion, and continuous growth by setting high standards, building sustainable systems, and reinforcing learning through regular feedback and reflection.
  • Model and coach the team in AI-first engineering practices grounded in software engineering fundamentals, driving up both speed of execution and product quality.
  • Champion a customer-obsessed culture by guiding the team to turn customer and developer feedback into innovative platform improvements that address real-world needs.
  • Establish clear ownership and operating mechanisms that ensure live site health, effective incident response, and continuous improvement.


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 background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.


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.
  • 4+ years people management experience.


Software Engineering M5 - 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.

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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

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