Principal Software Engineer Manager

Job ID: 200033370Posted: 2026-09-05Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $165,600 - $296,400 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 4 days / week in-officeRole type: People ManagerTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Software EngineeringDiscipline: Software EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewJoin our Web Data Platform Team as a Principal Software Engineering Manager to envision and build Web scale Platforms and SOTA models for semantic understanding of Multi Modal Documents.In today's AI-driven world, where data is more valuable than ever, we're embarking on an exciting mission to elevate our platform, harnessing additional richness to position it as the integral building block of AI solutions across the industry. If you're passionate about building high-performance systems that are foundational in powering AI solutions, this is the place for you! In this role, you'll play a key role in building large scale platforms that are at the core of Bing Search, AI Grounding and Microsoft AI training scenarios driving transformative scenarios powering 1B+ users. Our platforms process tens of billions of documents per day.We are looking for someone who is a proven technical leader and a seasoned people manager. You will be regularly expected to present technical/product strategy and Architectural choices to senior Leaders.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.Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.ResponsibilitiesManage a team of high-performing individuals to deliver product, features with agility and quality.Provide hands-on technical leadership: architecture, design, code reviews, development, quality assurance. Lead by example to integrate AI first development in the team.Partner with appropriate stakeholders to determine user requirements for a set of scenarios.Drive identification of dependencies and the development of design documents for the platform.Leads by example and mentor others to produce extensible and maintainable code used across products.Leverages subject-matter expertise of cross-product features with appropriate stakeholders (e.g., program managers) to drive multiple group's project plans, release plans, and work items.Proactively seeks new knowledge and adapts to new trends, technical solutions and shares knowledge with other engineers.QualificationsRequired 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 PythonOR equivalent experience.Preferred Qualifications:Master'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 PythonOR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 15+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or PythonOR equivalent experience.6+ years people management experience.Experience in large scale system architecture, design, development, testing, and release, including but not limited to web applications, microservices in layers, database design, API design, performance tuning, telemetry design and analysis.Demonstrated programming skills and knowledge of architectural patterns for large, high-scale applications.Proficient analytical skills with systematic and structured approaches to software design.Deeper understanding of AI Models.Committed collaboration and communication around articulating technical details.#MicrosoftAISoftware Engineering M6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165,600 - $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:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.