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, driving innovation in seamless local-to-cloud computing experiences. Responsibilities include partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver robust engineering solutions, establishing best practices around performance, reliability, accessibility, and security, and mentoring engineers while fostering a culture of technical excellence. You will also champion AI-assisted software development, ensuring secure and responsible use of modern tools across the development lifecycle. This role requires extensive experience in designing large-scale software products, expertise in Windows platform development, and a passion for mentoring and growing engineering talent.
Skills
C#
C++
TypeScript
WinUI
WebView2
AI-assisted development
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 at scale.
Champion AI-assisted software development to improve productivity while maintaining high code quality standards.
What we're looking for
9+ years of experience designing, building, and shipping large-scale software products.
Deep proficiency in C++, C#, or Java for object-oriented development.
Proven expertise in high-performance client applications or 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.
Ability to lead technical direction across multiple engineers or teams.
Expertise in Windows platform development including COM, WinRT, and core OS APIs.
Market check
Salary context
This
$139,900–$274,800
range sits above
60%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$142,050–$238,500
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$177,250–$214,500
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
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
534 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 488 roles with salary data.