Principal Software Engineer
- Pay
- $142,800 – $274,800 per year
- Location
- United States
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Lead / Staff
- Experience
- 6+ years
- Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Listed
- 29 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- Microsoft Cloud Background Check
- C
- C++
- Rust
- systems programming
- kernel-mode programming
Also useful
- silicon bring-up
- hypervisor development
- VMM
About the role
Design and evolve OpenVMM capabilities spanning Linux, Windows, and macOS environments. Collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and mentor engineers across the team through design guidance, code reviews, and technical problem-solving. Continuously learn, share technical knowledge, and promote sound engineering practices across the team.
Set a high bar for engineering quality and drive continuous improvements in reliability, maintainability, testing, and operational readiness. Collaborate across organizational boundaries to shape the team's charter, align technical priorities, and drive a clear long-term vision. Provide technical leadership across Windows Core and Azure, influencing architecture, design decisions, and platform strategy.
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++, or Rust including substantial work on systems or platform software 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++, or Rust including substantial work on systems or platform software OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, or Rust including substantial work on systems or platform software OR equivalent experience.
7+ years of experience in hypervisor, VMM, kernel, or virtualization-stack programming, kernel-mode programming, and security. Architectural skills demonstrated through the design and implementation of complex systems software. Ability to work effectively in a large codebase and take on a wide variety of technical challenges. Understanding of systems software and low-level interactions between hardware and software.
Experience with silicon bring-up activities. A track record of delivering complex, high-quality software across multiple product release cycles. Thorough understanding of modern computer architectures found in desktop PCs and servers.
From Microsoft's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 11, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Principal Software Engineer role at Microsoft?
The Principal Software Engineer posting at Microsoft states compensation of $142,800 – $274,800 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Microsoft's official career site.
Where is the Principal Software Engineer job at Microsoft located?
This Principal Software Engineer position at Microsoft is located in United States. Always check Microsoft's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft?
For the Principal Software Engineer role, Microsoft highlights 6+ years of relevant experience; a bachelor's degree; experience with C, C++, Rust, systems programming, kernel-mode programming. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
How do I apply for the Principal Software Engineer position at Microsoft?
This listing links directly to Microsoft's application page. You can apply directly on Microsoft's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.