Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft's Azure Container Networking group is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to architect and build next-generation frameworks for container connectivity, security, and observability. This role focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Container Apps (ACA), and AI-native runtimes. You'll work with technologies like eBPF, Cilium, and Retina while building AI-powered networking platforms that operate at cloud scale.

The position offers an opportunity to shape the future of cloud container networking, working with critical enterprise customers and meeting the demands of large-scale AI workloads. You'll be responsible for both dataplane and control plane services, developing high-performance network datapaths, and creating cloud APIs that integrate with key open source projects.

As a Principal Engineer, you'll lead technical initiatives across teams, mentor other engineers, and drive architectural decisions that impact Microsoft's cloud infrastructure. The role requires deep expertise in container networking, distributed systems, and a track record of contributing to major open source projects. You'll also pioneer "AI for AI" orchestration capabilities, using machine learning to optimize and secure network operations at scale.

This is a remote-friendly position with competitive compensation ($139,900 - $274,800) and comprehensive benefits including healthcare, educational resources, and parental leave. The role offers significant technical challenges, working with cutting-edge technologies while collaborating with talented engineers across Microsoft's cloud platform teams.

Microsoft provides an inclusive work environment focused on growth mindset and innovation. The position requires occasional on-call responsibilities and offers opportunities to directly impact how billions of containers communicate in cloud environments. If you're passionate about large-scale distributed systems, container networking, and applying AI to infrastructure challenges, this role offers a chance to work at the forefront of cloud computing evolution.