Principal Software Engineer

Overview

The Azure Blob Storage team is on a mission to build the data foundation that powers the AI revolution and we’re looking for visionary engineers to help lead the way. We’re seeking a Principal Engineer / Architect to design, architect and build the next generation of intelligent storage systems purpose-built for the most demanding AI and ML workloads in the world.

The landscape of computing is shifting. Massive foundation models, generative AI, and real-time inferencing are redefining how data moves, scales, and performs. Azure Blob 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’ll 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 world leaders in AI. You’ll play a key role in designing distributed systems that deliver unmatched availability, durability, and performance unlocking new possibilities for AI applications running on Azure.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you’ll lead from the front: shaping system architecture for the next era of AI storage, driving technical innovation across design, development, and operations, tackling complex, high-impact engineering challenges at hyperscale, and guiding and inspiring teams to build bold, high-quality solutions.

We’re looking for engineers who enjoy solving hard problems, thrive in dynamic environments, and are excited to build something that’s never been done before. If you’re 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver next-generation distributed storage systems optimized for AI/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

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#, Java, 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

• Master'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#, Java, or Python
• OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 15+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C++, C#, Java, or Python
• OR equivalent experience
• Interest in distributed systems, large-scale storage, and solving complex systems problems
• Experience with:
• Storage system internals in areas such as availability, remote replication, durability schemes, and high-performance I/O
• Database internals, indexing and search techniques, and caching and data placement strategies
• Metadata and namespace management at scale

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Pay and benefits

Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165,600 - $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:

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.