Principal Software Engineer, C++

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Redmond, WA
Salary: $142,800–$274,800 / yr
Posted: 72 days ago
Closes: Oct 13, 2026
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $176k

This role $209k

$121k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays more than 82% of similar roles. Most pay $142,450–$208,800 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $209k versus about $176k for comparable roles.

Based on 239 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 622 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 559 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Software Engineer, C++

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As a Principal Engineer in the Windows Cloud team, you will lead the architecture, design, and development of large-scale client applications that power secure and high-performance remote desktop experiences for millions of users. You will define long-term technical direction using modern technologies like C#, C++, TypeScript, WinUI, and WebView2 to build scalable applications, while driving innovation in bridging local and cloud computing environments. Responsibilities include partnering with Product Management, Design, and platform teams to deliver robust engineering solutions that scale across enterprise and consumer settings, leading complex cross-team initiatives involving Windows OS integration, networking, identity, and cloud services. You will establish best practices around performance, reliability, accessibility, and security for systems operating at global scale, champion AI-assisted software development, and mentor engineers in adopting emerging AI-powered workflows while maintaining high standards for code quality and maintainability.

Skills

C# C++ TypeScript WinUI WebView2 AI-powered development tools Windows OS integration networking identity cloud services performance reliability accessibility security telemetry-driven development hybrid desktop applications COM WinRT Windows Services (NT Services) core Windows OS APIs

What you'll do

Lead the architecture and development of large-scale client applications for secure remote desktop experiences.
Define long-term technical direction using modern technologies like C#, TypeScript, WinUI, and WebView2.
Drive innovation in bridging local and cloud computing environments with intuitive user interactions.
Establish engineering best practices focusing on performance, reliability, accessibility, and security.
Champion AI-assisted software development to improve productivity and maintain high code quality standards.
Mentor engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.

What we're looking for

9+ years designing, building, and shipping large-scale software products.
Deep proficiency in C++, C#, or Java for object-oriented development.
Expertise in high-performance client applications and distributed systems at scale.
Strong software architecture and systems design skills with complex problem-solving ability.
Experience in remote computing, desktop virtualization, or VDI platforms.
Proven leadership in technical direction across multiple engineers or teams.
Passionate about mentoring engineers and raising the technical bar through reviews.

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