The Principal Data Engineer will lead the architecture, development, and operation of scalable data platforms at Microsoft. This role emphasizes expertise in ETL, data pipelines, and distributed systems, requiring proficiency in Apache Spark, Python, and SQL. The engineer will also focus on AI-native engineering practices to enhance development efficiency while ensuring quality and accountability. The position involves collaboration across teams to meet customer needs and uphold high engineering standards.

• Bachelor'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 equivalent experience.
• Master'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 Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 15+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.
• Experience building data platforms for experimentation, metrics, and scorecards, including understanding success metrics, guardrail metrics, and data quality.
• Experience in Databricks like platforms.

• Design and evolve ETL workflows, data pipelines, and data models using Spark, Python, and SQL.
• Build data solutions using Spark and open table formats such as Delta Lake and Parquet files.
• Develop scalable, secure APIs and data access controls, including RBAC.
• Establish monitoring and operational readiness, drive incident resolution and root-cause analysis.
• Lead design and code reviews, strengthen testing, and embed security, privacy, and compliance into solutions.
• Communicate trade-offs clearly, align partner teams on dependencies and ownership, and mentor engineers.

• 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.