Principal Software Engineer

Security Engineering for Copilot is focused on building and securing systems that accelerate this process by making it easy and safe to incorporate more data and functionality that would otherwise be too scary/risky to do.  

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to identify areas of risk and opportunity, then design and build solutions in Copilot, making the product and its platform more secure. This can include everything from secure coding standards, to API design, to infrastructure, sandboxing, automated testing/fuzzing, application security, insider risk and abuse detection. Since Agential AI orchestration poses novel threats to security and privacy from information flows, misinterpretation, and exfiltration risk, you will be expected to have an understanding of these and be able to apply (or invent!) the latest research directly into the codebase to address these challenges.

You will possess a methodical approach to problem-solving, proficiency in backend technologies, a familiarity with applied AI and its unique security challenges, and the ability to architect solutions that stand the test of time. Many problems in this space have not been solved before! The right candidate is hands-on and enjoys building world-class consumer experiences and products in a fast-paced environment. A key skill is the judgment to make the right risk vs velocity and value decisions.

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.

Required 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 Python
  
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 8+ years' experience building scalable services, including securing applications and infrastructure on top of cloud infrastructure like Azure, AWS, or GCP.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dedication to writing clean, maintainable, and well-documented code with a focus on application quality, performance, and security.
• Experience “engineering out” classes of bugs and/or vulnerabilities by building secure coding and systems interfaces.
• Experience working with AI platforms, frameworks, and APIs.  
• Staying up to date with the latest research into attacks and defenses for AI-powered systems.
• Experience using Machine Learning frameworks, including experience using, deploying, and scaling language learning models, either personally or professionally.  
• Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and user experience. 
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other engineers.  
• Ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
• Passion for learning new technologies and staying up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in web development and AI. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing requirements and deadlines. 
• Proven ability to collaborate and contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment, fostering knowledge sharing and growth within the team.

Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $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: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until November 17, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

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

#MicrosoftAI #Copilot

• Build secure and performant AI Platform services that power Copilot.
• Solve novel security and privacy problems at the frontier of applied AI and agential systems.
• Work collaboratively with other Platform, infrastructure, application engineers as well as AI Researchers to build next generation AI products and services. 
• Ship high-quality, well-tested, secure, and maintainable code.  
• Find a path to get things done despite roadblocks to get your work into the hands of users quickly and iteratively.  
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, design-driven, product development cycle. 
• Embody our Culture and Values.