Principal Software Engineer

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Microsoft Azure Edge + Platform (E+P) is a globally distributed team of engineers, architects, program managers, product managers, business program managers, business administrators, user experience researchers and designers who are responsible for the platform for Microsoft and for delivering Microsoft’s edge vision. We create the most reliable and trustworthy OS and platform services to empower Microsoft and our customers to achieve more. We unlock the next wave of opportunity at the edge through an at-scale ecosystem driving widespread adoption of our Microsoft cloud services.

A Principal Engineer in Digital Operations serves as a senior technical leader responsible for architecting and implementing advanced solutions enabling customers to optimize operational processes. This role combines deep expertise in systems design, cloud infrastructure, and IoT integration with strategic oversight of data-driven workflows to ensure scalability, security, and efficiency. The Principal Engineer drives innovation by defining technical standards, mentoring engineering teams, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver robust, automated solutions that enhance asset performance and operational resilience. Success in this position requires a blend of technical vision, hands-on problem-solving, and leadership to align cutting-edge technologies with business objectives.

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.
• 4+ years experience collaborating with partner teams to meet the engineering goals in a unified manner.
• 4+ years experience coding, debugging, algorithm design and problem-solving skills.

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:

• 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.
• Understanding of Azure cloud
• Experience building Distributed Systems with reliable guarantees OR building Front End User Experiences.
• Solve problems by always leading with passion and empathy for customers.
• Have a desire to work collaboratively, solve problems with groups, find win/win solutions and celebrate successes.
• Enthusiasm, integrity, self-discipline, results-orientation in a fast-paced environment.

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $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

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 23, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Architect and deliver distributed systems that are secure, scalable, and resilient. Lead technical strategy and execution across multiple teams and services.
• AI-Driven Transformation: Champion the integration of AI into engineering workflows, including on-call support, test generation, and developer productivity tooling.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with PMs, architects, and other engineering leaders to define and deliver end-to-end solutions. Drive alignment across horizontal and vertical teams.
• Mentorship and Culture: Model engineering excellence and inclusive practices. Mentor senior engineers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Customer Impact: Define and track success metrics that reflect customer value. Ensure services meet or exceed SLAs and deliver tangible improvements to customer experience.
• Strategic Influence: Contribute to long-term technical vision and roadmap planning. Influence organizational structure and investment decisions to accelerate innovation