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# Principal Software Engineer - Networking & Storage Systems

- **Company:** Microsoft
- **Location:** Mountain View, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $142,800.0 - $274,800.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Online Services, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Software Quality, Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Software Engineering, AI Infrastructure, Information Technology, Transport Protocols
- **Published:** August 18, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.jobmonkeyjobs.com/career/27941726/Principal-Software-Engineer-Networking-Storage-Systems-California-Mountain-View-1210

## About the Role

* 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., * PhD Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 3+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
 + OR equivalent experience.
 * 10+ years of experience in software engineering, with deep expertise in networking and storage systems.
 * Proven track record of technical leadership and architectural ownership in large-scale distributed systems.
 * Proficiency in C, C++, C#, Java, Python, and cloud technologies.
 * Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
 * Experience driving strategic initiatives and influencing organizational direction.

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.

## Description

We are seeking aPrincipal Software Engineer - Networking & Storage Systemsto participate in pathfinding, technology development, and implementation of scalable networking and storage transport protocols, telemetry, and related innovation for Microsoft's cloud and AI infrastructure. Additionally, the role involves driving technical strategy, fostering cross-team collaboration, and promoting innovation to support Azure's continuing growth, while influencing organizational direction and mentoring engineering talent., * Architect and lead development of robust networking and storage frameworks for large-scale cloud platforms.

 * Own end-to-end technical strategy, making high-impact architectural decisions.
 * Collaborate with product, hardware, and business teams to define requirements and deliver strategic solutions.
 * Ensure code quality, reliability, and security through rigorous reviews and automation.
 * Drive adoption of best practices in observability, diagnostics, and performance optimization.
 * Represent the team in cross-functional forums, influencing organizational priorities and technical direction.


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