Principal Software Engineer - Azure Data Lake Storage

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The Azure Data Lake Storage team is on a mission to build the data foundation that powers the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, and we are looking for engineers to help lead the way. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design and build the next generation of intelligent storage systems purpose-built for the most demanding AI and Machine Learning (ML) workloads in the world.

The landscape of computing is shifting. Massive foundation models, generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and real-time inferencing are redefining how data moves, scales, and performs. Azure Data Lake Storage is evolving beyond traditional storage to become an AI-native platform—one that seamlessly supports the unique scale, throughput, and latency demands of modern AI. From high-bandwidth training pipelines to ultra-low latency for model serving and inference, you will help architect systems that fuel innovation at zettabyte scale.

This is a rare opportunity to work on one of the largest and most ambitious storage platforms on the planet, in close partnership with leaders in Artificial Intelligence (AI). As a Principal Software Engineer, you will shape system architecture for the next era of AI storage with a focus on multi-region AI, drive technical innovation across design, development, and operations, tackle complex and high-impact engineering challenges at hyperscale, and guide teams to build high-quality solutions. If you are ready to help define how storage powers AI at global scale, join us and help build the infrastructure that will shape the future.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

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.
• 5+ years of proven expertise in building and maintaining scalable, fault-tolerant distributed systems.

Other Qualifications:

• 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:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
  • OR related technical field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, OR Python
  • OR 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 equivalent experience.

• Experience working with distributed systems, large-scale storage, and solving complex systems problems, including storage system internals such as availability, remote replication, durability schemes, and high-performance input/output (I/O).

• Experience in one or more of the following domains:

  • Database internals

  • Indexing and search techniques

  • Caching and data placement strategies

  • Metadata and namespace management at scale.

• Experience leading technical direction and influencing architecture across teams.

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• Design and deliver next-generation distributed storage systems optimized for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) workloads, from training to inferencing.
• Provide technical leadership across architecture, development, testing, and deployment at hyperscale.
• Drive innovations in scalability, performance, security, and efficiency to meet the demands of zettabyte-scale storage.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams — from AI researchers to cloud infrastructure engineers — to ensure storage meets the needs of cutting-edge AI workloads.
• Mentor and guide other engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and trends to anticipate the future of AI-native storage.