Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

$143K–$304K

United States · On-site · Principal · Full-time · Posted Nov 2, 2026

Apply on Microsoft's site Save on Drimva

Experience: Required: 6+ years technical engineering experience. Preferred alternatives: 8+ years with a master's degree, or 12+ years with a bachelor's degree; equivalent experience accepted. Preferred experience also includes 1+ year in each of several areas listed in the posting.
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field OR equivalent experience.

About the job

Provides technical leadership for the architecture and evolution of Azure cloud-scale data platforms that process network telemetry and operational data.

What you'll do

Set architecture and technical strategy for distributed streaming and batch data platforms.
Lead cross-team design, implementation, production readiness, and continuous improvement of platform capabilities.
Mentor engineers and drive improvements in engineering quality, reliability, and operational practices.

What they ask for

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, Python, Go, or Rust OR equivalent experience.
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements, including the Microsoft Cloud Background Check.

Nice to have

Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience; OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience; OR equivalent experience.
Experience with large-scale distributed systems, high-volume data platforms, streaming and batch architectures, cloud-scale operational platforms, and applying AI, machine learning, or agentic software development approaches.

Pay

USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year (base salary); USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year (base salary)

Tools

C, C++, C#, Java, Python, Go, Rust, JavaScript

AI focus

Preferred experience applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, or agentic software development approaches to production systems, developer productivity, automation, diagnostics, or operational scenarios.

Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative