The Principal Software Engineer role at Microsoft focuses on building distributed data systems and APIs that enhance the Copilot experience. The position involves leading the design and development of infrastructure and personalization pipelines that drive intelligence in Microsoft AI. The ideal candidate will have a methodical approach to problem-solving and a strong background in backend technologies. This role requires collaboration across various teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, user-centric products.

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.
• 6+ years' experience building scalable services, including securing applications and infrastructure on top of cloud infrastructure like Azure, AWS, or GCP.
• Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.
• Experience with large scale data systems.
• Experience working with AI platforms, frameworks, and APIs.
• Experience using Machine Learning frameworks, including experience using, deploying, and scaling language learning models, either personally or professionally.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and user experience.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other engineers.
• Passion for learning new technologies and staying up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in web, data systems and AI.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing requirements and deadlines.
• Proven ability to collaborate and contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment, fostering knowledge sharing and growth within the team.

• Architect scalable, low-latency systems for ingesting, processing, and serving personalized signals.
• Design data models and APIs that enable Copilot to reason about user context, preferences, and history.
• Build real-time and batch personalization engines that adapt Copilot’s behavior.
• Collaborate with privacy, security, and responsible AI teams to ensure personalization is safe, transparent, and user-controlled.
• Optimize for performance, reliability, and cost across diverse workloads and geographies.
• Ship high-quality, well-tested, secure, and maintainable code.
• Find a path to get things done despite roadblocks to get your work into the hands of users quickly and iteratively.
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, design-driven, product development cycle.
• Embody Microsoft’s Culture and Values.

• Employees at Microsoft are often offered comprehensive, “world-class” benefits—including health and mental-wellness programs, competitive pay with bonuses and stock awards, and retirement/savings options. Time-off and flexibility are common, with generous vacation and holidays, parental and caregiver leave, and flexible work schedules, alongside learning support, employee resource groups, product discounts, and matching-gifts/volunteering programs. Specific benefits can vary by region.