Principal System Software Engineer

Are you fascinated by the intricate interplay between hardware and software? Do you thrive on the challenge of optimizing system performance and ensuring seamless functionality across diverse fleets? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you as a Principal System Software Engineer.

As a Principal System Software Engineer, you will serve as a visionary leader and technical authority, spearheading the design and implementation of sophisticated software solutions that span hardware, firmware, operating systems, HOST software, and cloud services that power Azure cloud. Your expertise will be instrumental in driving the development of next-generation technologies, system architecture, and delivering robust, scalable solutions to meet the world's computer needs.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Architecture Development: Lead the strategic architecture and development efforts for complex system software projects, leveraging your deep understanding of hardware, firmware, operating systems, and distributed systems to conceptualize innovative solutions that address current and future challenges.
• Advanced Firmware and Hardware Interactions: Collaborate closely with hardware and firmware engineers to architect and implement firmware solutions that maximize the efficiency and functionality of hardware components, optimizing system performance and enabling seamless integration with software layers.
• Software Development: Design and implement high-quality software components spanning hardware interfaces, firmware, operating systems, host software, and Linux-based systems. Leverage your expertise in low-level programming languages and system-level development to deliver robust and scalable solutions.
• Technical Leadership: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Lead by example through hands-on contributions, code reviews, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Research and Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in system software development. Drive innovation through research initiatives, prototyping new technologies, and evaluating novel approaches to address complex technical challenges.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including hardware engineers, firmware developers, and system architects, to deliver integrated solutions that meet customer requirements. Communicate technical concepts and project updates clearly and concisely to stakeholders at all levels.
• Drive identification of dependencies and the development of design documents for a product, application, service, or platform.
• Embody our Culture and Values.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical discipline 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.
• Experience in system software development, with a focus on software, hardware, firmware, operating systems, Linux software development, computer architecture, operating systems internals, and system-level software design principles.

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
• OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, 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.
• Demonstrated track record of leading complex software projects from conception to delivery.
• Experience in kernel-level programming, device drivers, and real-time operating systems, performance analysis, profiling tools, optimization techniques, containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud computing platforms.

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $133,600 - $256,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $173,200 - $282,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: .

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until April 29, 2024.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.