Principal Software Engineer

Share job

We are looking for an outstanding Principal Software Engineer to join the Microsoft Discovery team and work on an exciting new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven platform that will transform the scientific research process. Microsoft Discovery is a cutting-edge enterprise platform that uses AI agents and high-performance computing to accelerate research and development (R&D) in science and engineering. Microsoft Discovery is already driving breakthroughs in collaboration with partners across industries like chemistry and materials, energy, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, showcasing its potential to solve real-world challenges through AI-powered discovery.

We innovate quickly, learn from data and experience, think creatively, and have fun – all while tackling challenging customer and partner problems. You will be part of a startup-like environment within Microsoft, joining a highly motivated team that enjoys tough challenges and rapid development iterations. We collaborate closely with key platform teams across Microsoft and Microsoft Research to design, build, and operate the Discovery platform and related products.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day. 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 to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Required/minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years of experience in commercial software development
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience building and operating reliable distributed systems.
• Familiarity with building AI-powered services and multi-agent systems.

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:

• Technical leadership experience with cloud platforms and enterprise-scale services.
• Familiarity with widely used scientific tools in chemistry, physics and bio sciences.
• Proficiency in building web user experience for scientists or developers.
• Deep problem-solving skills and a bias for action.
• Passion for scientific innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) is a plus.

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 26, 2025.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will:

• Define architectural direction for the product and build scalable, distributed systems from the ground up.
• Drive end-to-end scenarios from ideation to global rollout.
• Mentor engineers and grow engineering excellence across the team.
• Lead team-wide adoption of AI-enabled process enhancements to improve engineering velocity and service reliability.
• Initiate and lead collaboration with Microsoft Research and platform teams to integrate cutting-edge technologies.
• Apply site-reliability engineering practices to ensure robust operations.

Other:

• Embody our Culture and Values