The Principal Software Engineer will join the Core Authentication team at Microsoft, focusing on building secure and resilient authentication and authorization systems for the Substrate platform. This role involves driving the design and evolution of key parts of the authentication platform while leading complex cross-team initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a passion for security and technical challenges, and will play a crucial role in mentoring team members and ensuring customer satisfaction. The position offers the opportunity to work on large-scale distributed systems that serve millions of users globally.

• 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.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements.
• 2+ years technical leadership experience, including driving a complex multi-year infrastructure project.
• Deep knowledge of distributed systems and cloud technologies.
• Knowledge of modern authentication and authorization protocols (e.g., OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, Kerberos, SAML).
• 3+ years' experience in one or more scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, Python, or a similar language).

• End-to-end ownership of a feature area related to authentication/authorization, responsible for all aspects of designing, developing and deploying the solution.
• Lead complex initiatives across Core Authentication and dependent partner teams, working closely with cross-functional discipline contributors.
• Apply threat modeling and secure-by-design practices, ensuring solutions meet compliance requirements across various cloud environments.
• Participate in the on-call rotation, lead resolution and root-cause analysis of complex production issues.
• Mentor engineers across levels and help raise the team's technical bar.

• 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.