Principal Software Development Engineer

Our mission is to make Windows the best platform to build ON and FOR — and we’re looking for someone who thrives in code, enjoys crafting elegant technical solutions, and is energized by helping developers be more productive as they build on and for Windows.

In this role, you’ll not only shape architecture and strategy — you’ll also be hands on, and diving into code. You’ll work closely with engineering and product leaders across WinPD and Microsoft to deliver modern developer tools and platform capabilities that meet developers where they are and help them go further, faster, and delighting them along the way.

You’ll join a dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive team that values collaboration, creative problem-solving, and building great things together. We’re passionate about our culture — and we believe that the best products come from teams that love what they do.

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.

• Define and drive the architectural direction for core developer experiences across Windows, including SDKs (Software Development Kits), tooling, and platform extensibility.
• Partner with engineers to design and implement scalable, modern systems that improve developer workflows and productivity.
• Translate developer pain points and feedback into elegant, maintainable solutions.
• Lead design reviews, mentor engineers, and promote hands-on technical excellence across the team.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor'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++, or C#.
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Industry experience coding in C, C++, or C#.
• Experience developing client features in Operating Systems.
• Experience delivering functionality spanning between clients, cloud and containers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to go deep and broad technically, and write high-quality, production-grade code.
  
• Track record of building developer-focused products, frameworks, or tools.
  
• Passion for developer experience and empathy for developers as your primary customers.
  
• Expertise in systems design, modern development practices, and software architecture patterns.
  

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:

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until June 13, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form .

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