This role pays more than
60%
of similar roles. Most pay
$174,900–$231,000
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$209k
versus about
$203k
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
597 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$119,800–$234,700
across 570 roles with salary data.
As a Principal Software Engineering Manager on the Windows Kernel Security Core team, you will lead a group of engineers developing security-critical, low-level platform technologies. You will guide architecture, implementation, and delivery while collaborating with Windows, Azure, and silicon partner teams to define technical direction for high-performance solutions. Your daily work involves managing project plans, identifying dependencies, and overseeing the development, optimization, and debugging of code to improve reliability and maintainability. The role focuses on building foundational operating system security features such as code integrity, Credential Guard, secure biometrics, and secure hotpatching. You will utilize expertise in C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python to solve complex problems at the boundary between hardware and software. This position requires technical leadership to manage team growth while ensuring robust protection against evolving threats for Windows and Azure customers.
What does a Software Engineering Manager earn?
Median $225000 from 108 postings across 38 companies.
Lead a team of engineers in developing security-critical, low-level platform technologies for Windows and Azure.
Define technical direction by determining user, security, and platform requirements with internal and external stakeholders.
Oversee the creation of architecture and design documents for operating system security features.
Direct the development, optimization, debugging, and refactoring of low-level code to improve performance and reliability.
Manage project plans, release schedules, and work items in coordination with cross-functional partner teams.
Ensure product scalability and quality by applying engineering best practices to security-critical components.
Coach and mentor team members by defining clear outcomes and investing in their professional growth.
What we're looking for
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field and 6+ years of experience coding in languages like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check and other required security screenings.
Master's Degree in Computer Science or related field and 8+ years of engineering experience (preferred).
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field and 10+ years of engineering experience (preferred).
4+ years of people management experience (preferred).
C
C++
C#
Java
JavaScript
Python
Azure Virtual Desktop
Windows 365
client-engineering
Test Automation
Performance Measurement
Observability
Monitoring
Diagnostics
C
C++
C#
Java
JavaScript
Python
Cloud Services
AI
Build Systems
Validation Systems
High Availability
Observability
Security
OS bring up
Postmortem Analysis