> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/448439-principal-software-development-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/448439-principal-software-development-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 Development Engineer - **Company:** Microsoft - **Location:** Redmond, WA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $139,900.0 - $274,800.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Java (Programming Language), JavaScript (Programming Language), Microsoft Windows, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Software Debugging, Software Design Patterns, Firmware, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), Software Engineering, Computer Equipment, Information Technology - **Published:** June 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://seeker-sp.worksourcewa.com/jobview/GetJob.aspx?JobID=293454077 ## 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. **Preferred Qualification:** + 5+ years of experience in software and/or hardware product development. + 5+ years' experience working with hardware devices and debugging. + Experience with the Rust programming language and associated design patterns. + Familiarity with embedded Rust development and writing firmware for MCU-based designs. + An understanding of cryptographic algorithms, security protocols, and encryption techniques. + A deep understanding?of software lifecycle in a device development environment and the interplay between software and hardware development and schedules. + Experience in a technical leadership role, managing and mentoring a team of engineers while driving delivery of a shipped product. \#W+DJOBS 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. ## Description + Design, implement, test and support systems-level firmware on modern Windows-based devices and accessories. + Lead a diverse team of firmware and system engineers through the Software Development Life cycle to ship hardware products + Drive performance, stability and feature enhancements for the device level experiences aligned with Windows and Devices roadmaps + Collaborate with teams across Microsoft and the Windows Ecosystem to bring up new hardware designs.? ## Related Videos - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Quantum Computing - The tiny and the big challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/934-quantum-computing-the-tiny-and-the-big-challenges) - [Fake or News: Translating Dog Barks, Notepad Gets an Upgrade and Michelin-Star Robots - Paul Tregoing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1802-fake-or-news-translating-dog-barks-notepad-gets-an-upgrade-and-michelin-star-robots-paul-tregoing) - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) - [You’re a great coder? That alone won’t get you far: The soft skills secret in IT success](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1076-you-re-a-great-coder-that-alone-won-t-get-you-far-the-soft-skills-secret-in-it-success) ## Related Articles - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? Realistic Software Engineering Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/425-how-much-does-a-software-engineer-make-realistic-software-engineering-salaries) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know)