Principal Software Engineer

Role Summary: As a Principal Software Engineer on the Windows Agentic Shell & App Experiences team, you will lead the design and development of high-impact agent experiences. You will architect and implement reliable, production-grade software using C++ and C#, leveraging the Windows SDK and .NET 9. Your work will directly influence the next generation of intelligent agents, driving innovation across Windows and Copilot ecosystems.

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 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
  • OR equivalent experience
• 6+ years experience in shipping large-scale software products, preferably in the Windows ecosystem
• 6+ years system architecture, performance optimization, and debugging
• 1+ year experience with Agentic AI,  AI/ML integration and cloud services
• 4+ years experience demonstrated in driving technical initiatives and mentoring teams

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:

•  Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field with 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, or C#
  • OR equivalent experience
• Experience with agent frameworks, natural language processing, or conversational AI
• Expertise in Windows SDK, and .NET frameworks
• Familiarity with Windows internals and modern client application development
• Track record of innovation and delivering user-centric solutions

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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 October 19h, 2025

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

#W+DJOBS

• Lead the technical design and architecture of agent-based features and systems.
• Drive end-to-end development of complex components using C++ and C#.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including PM, design, and data science to define and deliver product vision.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and reliability through rigorous testing and code reviews.
• Integrate cloud and local AI models with cloud-based orchestrators to enable intelligent, context-aware agent behaviors.
• Contribute to strategic planning and roadmap development for agent experiences.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to inform product direction.