Principal Data Engineer

We are looking for a Principal Data Engineer to lead the architecture development and operation of scalable reliable data platforms. This role requires deep expertise in ETL data pipelines data modeling and distributed systems with hands-on proficiency in Apache Spark Python and SQL.

As a technical leader you will shape architecture across team boundaries anticipate customer needs and make decisions that balance immediate delivery with long-term scalability reliability security and cost. You will own complex ambiguous problems from design through production and guide others toward high engineering standards.

You will bring an AI-native approach to engineeringusing and improving AI-assisted development practices to accelerate delivery while taking accountability for the quality correctness and responsible use of AI-generated work.

Microsofts 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.

• Lead data-platform architecture: Design and evolve ETL workflows data pipelines and data models using Spark Python and SQL.

• Drive hands-on end-to-end implementation: Build data solutions using Spark (or similar distributed systems) open table formats such as Delta Lake and Parquet files; develop scalable secure APIs and data access controls including RBAC; provision resources through Infrastructure as Code; and deliver production-grade deployments through CI/CD with observability and operational runbooks.

• Think beyond immediate requirements: Own complex system-design decisions evaluate alternatives and account for cross-team dependencies scalability resiliency disaster recovery and cost.

• Make evidence-based decisions: Proactively gather facts validate assumptions test hypotheses and use telemetry and investigation to resolve complex problems rather than relying on unverified assumptions.

• Advance AI-native engineering: Apply AI across design coding testing and troubleshooting; validate AI-generated outputs and help the team adopt effective responsible practices.

• Own production outcomes: Establish monitoring and operational readiness drive incident resolution and root-cause analysis and implement preventive improvements. Automate safe deployments targeting zero-touch deployment where possible.

• Raise engineering quality: Lead design and code reviews strengthen testing and embed security privacy and compliance into solutions throughout their lifecycle.

• Collaborate and mentor: Communicate trade-offs clearly align partner teams on dependencies and ownership mentor engineers and share knowledge to improve team capabilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters 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 Bachelors 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 Python
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Experience building data platforms for experimentation metrics and scorecards including understanding success metrics guardrail metrics and data quality.
• Experience in Databricks like platforms.

#dataplatforms #dataengineering #AINative #distributedsystems

Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165600 - $296400 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 $220800 - $331200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
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.

Required Experience:

IC