The Principal Software Development Engineer will lead the design and development of the Search & AI Platform at Microsoft Bing, focusing on scalable distributed systems and innovative search retrieval technologies. This role involves working with cross-functional teams to translate research into production-grade systems while mentoring a high-performing engineering team. The engineer will optimize data access patterns and workflows to meet rigorous service level agreements. The position emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and technical leadership in a dynamic environment.

• 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.
• 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.
• 3+ years of technical leadership experience in designing, coding, debugging, and delivering large projects.
• Hands-on experience in indexing technology and end-to-end search stack.
• Expertise in performance optimization and system architecture, particularly within large-scale processing environments is a plus.
• Proven track record in designing and deploying scalable, distributed systems.
• Effective collaborator and communicator.

• Architect, design, and implement high-performance solutions to enhance the Search & AI platform.
• Technically lead the development and scaling of distributed services, ensuring robustness, performance, and reliability.
• Collaborate with various teams to transform user requirements into actionable designs and systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Engage in the full software development lifecycle from conception to deployment, ensuring solutions meet high standards of quality and performance.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and apply best practices in software development and new technologies to drive improvements.

• 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.