Principal Software Engineer

Multiple Locations, United States

Date posted

Oct 20, 2025

Job number

1897247

Work site

0 days / week in-office - remote

Travel

0-25%

Role type

Individual Contributor

Profession

Software Engineering

Discipline

Software Engineering

Employment type

Full-Time

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.

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:

Microsoft will accept applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

• 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.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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Industry leading healthcare

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Educational resources

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Discounts on products and services

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Savings and investments

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Maternity and paternity leave

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Generous time away

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Giving programs

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Opportunities to network and connect

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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.