The Principal Software Engineer role at Microsoft focuses on building distributed data systems and APIs that enhance the intelligence of Copilot. The position requires a methodical problem-solver with proficiency in backend technologies and familiarity with applied AI. The engineer will lead the design and development of infrastructure and personalization pipelines while collaborating with various teams across Microsoft AI and Copilot. This role emphasizes creating adaptive, context-aware experiences while ensuring privacy, security, and performance.

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years of technical engineering experience with coding in languages including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
• 4+ years' experience building scalable services, including securing applications and infrastructure on cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, or GCP.
• 3+ years' experience in OSS data technology, such as Kafka, Spark, or Flink.
• Experience with large scale data systems.
• Experience working with AI platforms, frameworks, and APIs.
• Experience using Machine Learning frameworks and scaling language learning models.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work closely with cross-functional teams.
• Passion for learning new technologies and staying updated with industry trends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

• 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 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 deliver work 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.