| Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Houston, TXNew York, NYCambridge, MAAtlanta, GARedmond, WA
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 21 days ago
Closes: Nov 18, 2026
Nearby: 85 roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $190k

This role $209k

$127k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 65% of similar roles. Most pay $161,500–$218,918 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $190k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is a global technology leader producing software, hardware, and cloud services including Windows, Office 365, Azure cloud platform, Xbox gaming, and Surface devices. Industry: Software & Cloud Computing

Microsoft currently has 1103 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 985 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at Microsoft

At a glance

TL;DR · | Microsoft Careers

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As a Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft, you will join an innovative cross-functional team comprising software engineers, data scientists, and technical program managers to collaborate closely with strategic customers on developing cutting-edge solutions. Your daily responsibilities include leading the identification of dependencies, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring system reliability through proactive monitoring and problem-solving. You will work extensively with languages such as C++, Java, JavaScript, and Python while driving consistency in large-scale operations. This role requires a deep understanding of modern software engineering practices and cloud technologies, along with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Ideal candidates possess a growth mindset and are passionate about leveraging technology to create global impact.

Skills

Python Java JavaScript C C++ C# AWS Kubernetes Docker CI/CD PostgreSQL MSSQL Git Linux RESTful APIs JSON YAML Swagger Jenkins

What you'll do

Leads identification and documentation of dependencies for product development.
Mentors team members to ensure code is extensible and maintainable across products.
Acts as Designated Responsible Individual (DRI) for monitoring system health.
Drives project plans, release schedules, and work items with cross-product teams.
Proactively seeks new knowledge to improve the reliability and performance of products.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field and 6+ years of coding experience.
Master's Degree in CS or equivalent with 8+ years, or 12+ years total coding experience.
Expertise in modern software engineering practices and cloud technologies.
Experience leading the development of design documents for complex projects.
Proven ability to mentor engineers and produce maintainable code across products.
Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to technology trends.
Comfort with travel up to 25% for work-related activities.