Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft empowers every person and organization on the planet to achieve more through innovative technology solutions.
$137,600 - $267,000
Distributed Systems
Principal Software Engineer
Remote
5,000+ Employees
10+ years of experience
AI · Enterprise SaaS

Description For Principal Software Engineer

The HPC/AI team at Microsoft is building the next-generation distributed AI supercomputer, pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence through unmatched computational capabilities. This Principal Software Engineer role focuses on developing cutting-edge networking infrastructure for large-scale AI training, working at the intersection of AI and high-performance computing.

The position involves designing and implementing high-performance, low-latency networking solutions that power distributed AI workloads. You'll work with diverse network architectures and cutting-edge processor technologies, driving the development of comprehensive end-to-end solutions with a focus on performance, scalability, and observability.

As a Principal Engineer, you'll lead technical initiatives, mentor team members, and shape the architecture of systems that will power the future of AI supercomputing. The role requires deep expertise in networking protocols, distributed systems, and a strong understanding of AI infrastructure requirements.

The compensation is competitive, ranging from $137,600 to $267,000 base salary (higher in SF and NYC areas), plus comprehensive benefits including healthcare, educational resources, and investment options. The position offers up to 100% work from home flexibility with 0-25% travel requirements.

This is an opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology at Microsoft, a company committed to empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. You'll be part of a culture that values growth mindset, innovation, and collaboration, working on systems that will define the future of AI computing infrastructure.

Last updated 18 hours ago

Responsibilities For Principal Software Engineer

  • Design, develop, and optimize networking solutions for large-scale AI training infrastructure
  • Architect and implement high-performance, low-latency communication frameworks
  • Benchmark, analyze, and enhance scalability for petabyte-scale data transfer
  • Debug and resolve complex networking issues in large-scale environments
  • Lead identification of dependencies and development of design documents
  • Mentor others and produce extensible and maintainable code
  • Act as a Designated Responsible Individual (DRI)
  • Monitor system/product/service and handle on-call responsibilities

Requirements For Principal Software Engineer

Python
Java
JavaScript
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience
  • In-depth understanding of networking protocols (e.g., Ethernet, TCP/IP, RDMA, gRPC) and distributed systems
  • Familiarity with network virtualization, software-defined networking (SDN), or network performance tuning
  • Familiarity with AI accelerators such as GPUs (NVIDIA, AMD) or TPUs
  • Must pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check

Benefits For Principal Software Engineer

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401k
Parental Leave
Education Budget
  • Industry leading healthcare
  • Educational resources
  • Discounts on products and services
  • Savings and investments
  • Maternity and paternity leave
  • Generous time away
  • Giving programs
  • Opportunities to network and connect

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