Principal Software Engineer, Windows Apps & Developer Ecosystem

• Build trusted relationships with developers, ISVs, and Microsoft product teams, helping them publish and grow successful applications on Windows. 
• Lead complex technical engagements across application architecture, distribution, commerce, analytics, and lifecycle management. 
• Design and build developer-facing services, SDKs, APIs, and tooling that simplify app development, increase platform adoption, and help developers succeed on Windows.  
• Represent the voice of the developer ecosystem by translating customer feedback, market trends, and industry insights into platform strategy, product investments, and roadmap priorities. 
• Own ambiguous, cross-team initiatives from discovery and technical strategy through implementation, launch, and measurement, creating clarity across organizational boundaries and ensuring solutions meet high standards for quality, security, reliability, and maintainability. 
• Define success measures for developer engagements and platform initiatives, use feedback and data to evaluate outcomes, and apply those learnings to improve future investments and developer experiences. 

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

• 10+ years of experience building and shipping native applications on Windows or other modern client platforms.  
• Experience publishing, operating, or growing applications through an app store ecosystem.  
• Experience working directly with developers or software vendors (ISVs) to resolve complex technical challenges and drive product adoption. 
• Deep expertise in Windows application development, developer tooling, and platform technologies.  
• Deep understanding of app publishing, commerce, acquisition, engagement, and growth through the Microsoft Store.  
• Experience designing or building developer-facing SDKs, APIs, frameworks, services, or tooling.  
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives from concept through delivery, influencing without direct authority.  
• Experience with cross-platform, mobile, or desktop application ecosystems.  
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with developers, engineering teams, and executive stakeholders.  
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing application performance, distribution, monetization, and developer experience at scale.  
• Strategic mindset with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.  
• Demonstrated leadership through technical influence, innovation, and execution. 

#W+DJOBS

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $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.