Principal Software Engineer (Real-Time Bidding)

Quick Facts

• Role: Principal Software Engineer (Real-Time Bidding)

• Focus: Core architecture and modernization of a high-throughput, latency-sensitive RTB platform

Description

The role owns the architectural and technical evolution of Microsoft Ads’ mission-critical real-time bidding (RTB) platform, with strict latency constraints and high reliability needs. You will lead scalable, high-performance backend engineering, drive modernization for long-term sustainability, and define instrumentation, observability, and experimentation capabilities. You’ll collaborate with engineering, data science, experimentation, product, and infrastructure to align technical execution with business goals.

Responsibilities

• Own technical direction and execution for core components of a high-scale, latency-sensitive RTB service

• Lead design and implementation of scalable, high-performance backend systems

• Drive platform modernization and improve code quality, maintainability, and operational safety

• Ensure performance, scalability, and stability as traffic and data volumes grow

• Define and evolve instrumentation, observability, and experimentation capabilities for safe production changes

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to align solutions with business goals

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influencing architecture decisions and engineering best practices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related technical field

• 6+ years of technical engineering experience coding in languages including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python (or equivalent experience)

• Ability to meet Microsoft security screening requirements, including passing the Microsoft Cloud background check at hire/transfer and every two years

Benefits

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.