This role pays more than
66%
of similar roles. Most pay
$174,600–$225,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$209k
versus about
$200k
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
598 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 586 roles with salary data.
The Principal Software Engineer joins the Microsoft Security team to develop and operate next-generation products designed to secure data with AI speed. This role involves building and maintaining Microsoft Information Protection capabilities that help organizations discover, classify, label, and protect sensitive data across cloud environments, endpoints, and applications. Key responsibilities include leading high-quality coding practices using AI throughout the software development life cycle, performing root cause analysis for live-site excellence, and owning complex system architecture designs. The candidate will ensure security compliance through automated CI/CD pipelines while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver end-to-end solutions. Required technical skills include proficiency in C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python. Preferred experience includes large-scale data processing in distributed systems along with expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modeling to solve critical data protection challenges.
What does a Software Engineer earn?
Median $197500 from 2196 postings across 133 companies.
Develop and operate next-generation products to secure data using AI-driven technologies.
Lead high-quality coding practices by ensuring code is secure, scalable, and maintainable through rigorous reviews and testing.
Utilize telemetry and root cause analysis to proactively resolve incidents and improve system health as a DRI.
Own and review complex system designs while balancing performance, scalability, and cost trade-offs.
Ensure all deployments adhere to security, privacy, and compliance standards through automated CI/CD pipelines.
Incorporate customer insights to continuously improve engineering outcomes and internal processes.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field.
6+ years of technical engineering experience coding in languages such as C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
Ability to pass Microsoft and Microsoft Cloud background checks.
Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field with 8+ years of technical engineering experience.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field with 12+ years of technical engineering experience.
Experience in large scale data processing in distributed systems.
Experience in data analysis and statistical modeling, including regression, classification, clustering, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms.
C
C++
C#
Java
JavaScript
Python
Azure Virtual Desktop
Windows 365
client-engineering
Test Automation
Performance Measurement
Observability
Monitoring
Diagnostics