> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2895148-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2895148-principal-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Microsoft - **Location:** Redmond, WA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $142,800.0 - $274,800.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Online Services, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Cloud Services, Software Engineering, Cloud Platform System, Large Language Models, Information Technology, Low Latency - **Published:** September 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/16854404?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F16854404%2FPrincipal-Software-Engineer-Washington-Redmond ## 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 background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. Otther Qualifications: * Experience in driving AI (LLM/ML) based engineering solutions * Experience working in cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure * Demonstrated ability to drive large technical deliverables independently * Experience designing and scaling cloud services or large distributed systems * Customer focus and ability to incorporate feedback signals into engineering decisions 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 * This is a broad cross-team role with high visibility, collaborating with multiple teams across Microsoft. * Lead the architecture, design and implementation of services for extremely high scale, throughput, durability, and low latency with AI First approach. * Innovate and make service deployment and maintenance an efficient well-oiled machine that provides excellent reliability with minimal manual engineer intervention. * Ability to conduct in-depth triage, troubleshooting, and forensics across all facets of the cloud stack while executing processes corrective action and continual service improvement. * Drive Infrastructure security improvements for mission critical high scale workloads. * Lead the definition of requirements, KPIs, priorities and planning of engineering deliverables. * Mentor and grow the energetic, diverse, and driven team with a good mix of senior, mid-level, and entry talent. ## Related Videos - [The Software Engineer 2030: From Coder To AI Orchestrator? - Patrick Schnell](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1825-the-software-engineer-2030-from-coder-to-ai-orchestrator-patrick-schnell) - [Swapping Low Latency Data Storage Under High Load](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/746-swapping-low-latency-data-storage-under-high-load) - [Developer Tools for Microsoft Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/450-developer-tools-for-microsoft-azure) - [Leverage Cloud Computing Benefits with Serverless Multi-Cloud ML ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/78-leverage-cloud-computing-benefits-with-serverless-multi-cloud-ml) - [Inside the AI Revolution: How Microsoft is Empowering the World to Achieve More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/869-inside-the-ai-revolution-how-microsoft-is-empowering-the-world-to-achieve-more) - [ZEISS & Microsoft - Building the Next Generation Medical Ecosystem in the Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/424-zeiss-microsoft-building-the-next-generation-medical-ecosystem-in-the-cloud) ## Related Articles - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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