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Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft

Software Engineering

Redmond, WA, USA

USD 163k-296,400 / year + Equity

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

Overview

We are building a planet-scale multi-modal database from the ground up. You will be part of the team that is reimagining the databases in the era of Large Language Models (LLMs) by deeply integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into all parts of the stack.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead and collaborate with a team of passionate engineers, driving ideas to impactful results in a fast-paced environment. You will be responsible for operating the service for some of the largest enterprise customers.

You will be working on operations, live site, deployment, monitoring, compliance, alerting and maintaining the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for our service.

Successful engineers in our team have problem solving, design, coding and debugging skills, drive for execution and results, rigor in delivering quality software and a desire for continuous learning. Our team values a friendly, collaborative atmosphere with a passion for technology, and we believe that a diverse team with diverse perspectives that applies empathy and uses great communication skills helps deliver superior products and is key to success. This is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, grow your career, and influence the next generation of computing at Microsoft.

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.

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.

Responsibilities

This will be an individual contributor role with the majority of time focused on coding responsibilities pertaining to quality of service, livesite, monitoring, deployment, service lifecycle.

Leads identification of dependencies and the development of design documents for a product, application, service, or platform.

Leads by example and mentors others to produce extensible and maintainable code used across products.

Holds accountability as a Designated Responsible Individual (DRI), mentoring engineers across products/solutions, working on-call to monitor system/product/service for degradation, downtime, or interruptions.

Embody our culture and values.

Qualifications

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.

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.
Currently programming/coding (100%) in your current or most recent role.
Experience with M365 Level D, Azure Compliance, Operating Services in multiple heterogenous environments (e.g. Torus, AME, PME, Sovereign Clouds, etc.
Extensive experience with Helm, Kubernetes/AKS/Cosmic, Prometheus, Grafana.

#Research

#MSRR

Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 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

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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Principal Software Engineer