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Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft • Full-time • Redmond, WA, US • $139.90k - $304.20k / year • 3w ago

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, Washington, United States

Date posted

Sep 23, 2025

Job number

1879799

Work site

3 days / week in-office

Travel

0-25%

Role type

Individual Contributor

Profession

Software Engineering

Discipline

Software Engineering

Employment type

Full-Time

Overview

The Visual C++ team is responsible for delivering a modern set of C++ AI powered tools to millions of developers across many platforms and industries, with the highest level of performance and capability. The Visual C++ team provides a complete, first-in-class C++ development experience in Visual Studio and VS Code. We are building the future of platforms and tools for this new era, and we are looking for developers who are not only early adopters of AI-powered development tools, but who are also actively exploring how large language models (LLMs) can enhance their effectiveness and impact. Be a part of a team that values collaboration and the idea of working better together.

Our platform reach and competitive landscape is greater than ever before, so we are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help us deliver innovative AI based experiences to meet the flourishing demands of the growing C++ developer population.

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.

Qualifications

Basic 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, TypeScript or Python.
- OR equivalent experience.
6+ months of experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, or similar) to enhance productivity and code quality.
Experience applying AI technologies (such as large language models or code generation tools) in software development workflows, including tasks like static analysis, automated documentation, or test generation.
Experience designing complex features.

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, TypeScript or Python.
- OR equivalent experience.
1+ years of experience using AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, or similar) to enhance productivity and code quality.
1+ years of experience applying AI technologies (such as large language models or code generation tools) in software development workflows, including tasks like static analysis, automated documentation, or test generation.

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

Microsoft posts positions for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

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Responsibilities

Build Copilot C++ Agentic flows, Copilot C++ Completions, C++ language services, Productivity and Refactoring features, C++ Project and Build System, Scalability and Performance, Local and Remote deployment, and more. New features typically target all platforms, and we regularly collaborate with GitHub teams developing new Copilot features.
Designing, implementing, debugging, and delivering experiences primarily in C, C++.
Using many technologies beyond C++ including C#, Python, TypeScript, SQLite and others.
Designing and implementing cutting edge features for the C++ development experience.
Collaborate with data science experts, evaluating and training state-of-the-art language models for software developers.
Writing modern cross-platform code, continuously prototyping and experimenting, and leveraging asynchronous and parallel programming.
Embody Microsoft's Culture and Values

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

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Industry leading healthcare

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Educational resources

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Discounts on products and services

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Savings and investments

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Maternity and paternity leave

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Generous time away

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Giving programs

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Opportunities to network and connect

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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.