Principal Software Engineering Manager

Overview

As a Principal Software Engineering Managaer, you will lead software engineering teams using AI-native tools and Responsible AI practices across the SDLC. Owns architectural direction, design decisions, and technical strategy for complex products. Manages cross-team dependencies, drives engineering excellence in code quality, security, and reliability. Includes people management responsibilities: driving employee growth, executing projects, and managing performance.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead adoption of AI/ML tools and Responsible AI practices across the software development lifecycle.
• Own architecture discussions, lead design reviews, and evaluate new technologies for complex products.
• Guide teams on test strategy, code quality, security-first development, and engineering best practices.
• Lead code reviews, incident retrospectives, and drive reduction in incident volume and severity.
• Manage cross-team dependencies, project planning, and delivery alignment with stakeholders.
• Drive live site reliability through telemetry, monitoring, and effective on-call/DRI processes.
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory standards across all team deliverables.
• People management: model leadership values, coach team members, and invest in individual growth and development.
  
  

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.
• Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 10+ years of technical engineering experience.
• OR equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of people management experience.
  

#W+DJOBS

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.
  
  

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.