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Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft

Microsoft

Software Engineering
United States
USD 139,900-274,800 / year
Posted on Jan 27, 2026
Overview

The Core Systems and Runtime team within the Security Base organization, is developing the next generation security fabric and tools underpinning Microsoft's protection and response stacks. The fabric is responsible for executing Microsoft's protection and response payloads securely, efficiently and with the proper telemetry and rollback mechanisms.

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer with a strong background in systems programming. This position entails both strategic leadership and hands-on development, collaborating with engineers across Microsoft.

This role provides an opportunity to influence the direction of Microsoft's security offerings while expanding expertise within Microsoft's broad technological framework.

We prioritize your professional growth and acknowledge the valuable contributions you make to our team. Our culture is based on diversity and inclusivity, as we believe that different perspectives drive innovation. We are dedicated to cultivating a collaborative atmosphere where every member’s input is appreciated and developed, enhancing our products and fostering both personal and professional advancement to ensure our solutions meet the needs of all users.



Responsibilities
  1. Responsibilities:

    • Work closely with other Security engineering teams, OS teams and others across Microsoft to plan, design and implement solutions that advance the security fabric
    • Develop, test and maintain extensible and reusable code to implement security fabric features
    • Conduct code and design reviews and advocate for best practices in code quality, performance, and security
    • Engage in system architecture and design reviews of other components across Microsoft Security
    • Provide strategic insights to ensure alignment with customer needs and business goals
    • Uphold and promote the culture and values of the group and Microsoft



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:

  • BS or higher degree in Computer Science or related discipline
  • 6+ years overall software engineering experience
  • Expert level technical skills in coding and debugging
  • Systems programming experience
  • C/C++/Rust experience
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills


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


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.