Principal Software Engineer

Security represents the most critical priorities for our customers in a world awash in digital threats, regulatory scrutiny, and estate complexity. Microsoft Security aspires to make the world a safer place for all. We want to reshape security and empower every user, customer, and developer with a security cloud that protects them with end to end, simplified solutions. The Microsoft Security organization accelerates Microsoft’s mission and bold ambitions to ensure that our company and industry is securing digital technology platforms, devices, and clouds in our customers’ heterogeneous environments, as well as ensuring the security of our own internal estate.

The Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) team is dedicated to protecting consumers and enterprises alike from cyber-attacks. Our mission is to safeguard every user with innovative proactive protection, detection, and response technologies, aiming to stay ahead of malicious actors and anticipating the threats of the future. 

Would you like to spend your days meaningfully impacting society?  Are you an exceptional engineer with a deep understanding of the Windows operating system Is your copy of Windows Internals front and center on your bookshelf.  Do you thrive on developing architectural solutions from the ground up, focusing on fundamentals such as performance, reliability, and extensibility?  Become an integral member of the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) team. 

We are looking for a highly driven and motivated Principal Software Engineer to champion the highest levels of code quality across the breadth of our Windows Client codebase as we build the next generation of endpoint protection.  This includes championing fundamentals such as performance and reliability, ensuring secure coding patterns, advancing usage of memory and type safe languages all while driving foundational changes throughout the entire Defender stack.  This position provides the potential for tremendous personal and career growth across many dimensions.  You’ll have the opportunity to work across divisional boundaries and develop a broad understanding of Microsoft’s business while making a meaningful impact on society. 

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. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science 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
• 10+ years software development experience working in the Windows OS (and/or similar systems programming experience) 
• Proven track record architecting and developing robust and extensible solutions 
• Experience driving broad cross-organizational initiatives focused on developer effectiveness 
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Rust 
• Experience with multi-threaded / parallel programming 

Other Requirements:

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:

• Master's Degree in Computer Science 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 Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
  • OR equivalent experience.

Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 per year.    Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay       

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until August 16, 2025.  

• Partner with multiple teams across Microsoft, architecting and implementing solutions deeply integrated into the Defender stack  
• Execute on architecture, design, code reviews, and development 
• Evangelizing use of memory and type safe languages
• Foster a healthy and inclusive team environment 

• Embody our culture and values