Overview

Are you a Principal Software Engineer passionate about empowering developers to build intelligent AI agents and applications? Join Microsoft’s Developer Division team to shape the future of AI development tooling. We are building innovative tools that support the full lifecycle of AI agent development—from ideation to production—leveraging Microsoft AI Foundry, Azure, and Microsoft 365 platforms.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the design and delivery of high-impact developer experiences, mentor engineering talent, and drive technical strategy across global teams. Your work will directly influence how developers build AI-powered solutions used by millions worldwide.

Responsibilities-
Architect and deliver scalable, reliable tools and frameworks that accelerate AI agent development.

• Lead cross-functional technical initiatives and collaborate with product, design, and engineering teams across geographies.

• Drive innovation by integrating emerging technologies, including generative AI, into developer workflows.

• Champion engineering excellence through code quality, testing, and operational best practices.

• Mentor and grow engineering talent, fostering a culture of inclusion, learning, and impact.

• Engage with internal stakeholders and the broader developer ecosystem to understand needs and shape product direction.

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.

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:

• Deep understanding of AI technologies and cloud platforms (Azure preferred). Familiarity with AI agent frameworks, LLM orchestration, or prompt engineering.

• Expertise in one or more major programming languages (e.g., Python, Node.js, C#, Java).

• Proven track record of designing and delivering developer tools, platforms, or services at scale.

• Experience developing Visual Studio Code extensions or similar developer tooling.

• Excellent architectural skills and experience driving complex technical decisions.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-team initiatives and influence product strategy.

• Experience contributing to open-source projects or engaging with developer communities.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across global teams.

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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.