Principal Software Engineer | Microsoft Careers

Microsoft

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
—
Salary
$139,900–$274,800 / yr
Posted
101 days ago
Closes
Aug 23, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $196k
This role $207k
$124k most similar roles pay here $291k

This role pays less than 53% of similar roles. Most pay $177,250–$215,662 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $207k versus about $196k 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 310 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $119,800–$234,700 across 285 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Software Engineer | Microsoft Careers

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As a Principal Software Development Engineer on the Azure PostgreSQL team within Microsoft’s Azure Data division, you will lead the development of innovative solutions in areas such as query processing, transaction logging, and distributed systems. Your daily tasks include creating strategic roadmaps for system architecture, ensuring code is maintainable through effective reviews, and contributing to open-source projects like PostgreSQL and Linux. The role requires expertise in developing enterprise-level backend features, experience with distributed cloud services, and a deep understanding of database internals. You will work within a diverse team that values inclusivity and continuous learning, tackling complex challenges at scale for mission-critical applications across various industries.

Skills

PostgreSQL Linux Docker Kubernetes Azure CI/CD Python Go SQL REST JSON Git Terraform Prometheus Grafana

What you'll do

  • Oversees system architecture for high-impact areas like query processing and transaction logging.
  • Creates strategic roadmaps considering future evolution of related systems.
  • Establishes policies for developing maintainable code in critical technical domains.
  • Writes proof of concept code to address coding issues effectively.
  • Develops and ships system-level features in enterprise production backend servers.

What we're looking for

  • 4+ years of experience in developing and shipping system-level features in enterprise production backend servers.
  • 2+ years of experience building and supporting distributed cloud services at a production level.
  • Deep understanding of PostgreSQL or similar enterprise database management systems, including query processing and storage engine internals.
  • Experience with distributed systems and strong guarantees in data consistency.
  • Strong knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and distributed system principles.

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