Principal Software Engineer
**Overview**
Join the team behind **Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets (VMSS)** – the engine powering hyperscale services across AI, cloud-native apps, and mission-critical workloads in Azure. We're building the next generation of resilient, intelligent infrastructure, and we're looking for engineers to help shape it. If you're interested in building cloud-scale systems from the ground up, this is your opportunity to make a global impact.
**Responsibilities**
As a Software Engineer in VMSS team, you will design and deliver scalable, resilient, and cloud-native infrastructure services that support millions of cores and serve Fortune 500 customers. This role offers the opportunity to work on high-impact, distributed systems challenges, contribute to new product initiatives from the ground up, and shape the future of Azure’s compute platform. This opportunity will allow you to influence the direction of Azure’s compute platform and solve complex engineering challenges at hyperscale – all while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in cloud infrastructure.
**Qualifications**
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.
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 8+ 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.
+ 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with a strong track record of delivering large-scale distributed systems.
+ Deep expertise in cloud infrastructure, compute platforms, or container orchestration.
+ Proven ability to lead through influence, drive cross-org initiatives, and mentor senior ICs.
+ Experience integrating AI/ML into engineering systems.
+ Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to drive clarity in ambiguous environments.
+ Passion for building inclusive teams and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.
+ Experience with Azure infrastructure or similar hyperscale cloud platforms.
+ Familiarity with service reliability engineering (SRE) practices and operational excellence.
+ Demonstrated impact in evolving organizational structures or leading transformation initiatives.
\#azurecorejobs
Software Engineering IC5 - 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
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. (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html)