New

Principal Software Development Engineer

Microsoft
$139,900.00 - $274,800.00 / yr
United States, Washington, Redmond
Apr 04, 2026
Overview Microsoft Surface Devices is on a mission to deliver iconic end-to-end products across hardware, software, and services that peopletrust and rely onevery day.Central to this mission is ensuring thestability and qualityof our devices, especially in the development of embedded firmware. As we strive to build desirable and powerful devices that enable the experiences people want,embedded firmwareisthe foundation of many of our customers' promises and experiences. Developing these new devices and associated experiences requires close collaboration between hardware engineers, software engineers, designers, and manufacturing partners, all with a shared focus on creating industry-defining secure solutions. Our commitment to security and our passion for enabling everyone to do and be their best is reflected in our devices, ensuring that they are not only innovative but also safe and reliable. We are seeking a talentedPrincipal Software Engineerwith a background in embedded firmware. This includes working with Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs), Microcontroller suppliers, and industry partners on topics related to system design and firmware implementation. This position will be responsible for leading a team to ship specific products on our roadmap using modern programming practices and languages to ensure the quality and stability of firmware deliverables, as well as partnering closely with system architects, IHVs, and Windows OS teams to deliver an end-to-end optimized firmware platform with a foundation built in quality. Come join us as we scale up our organization to meet the challenges of creating new and innovative experiences and delivering devices that people loveand trust. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Asemployeeswe 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. In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positivelyimpactour culture every day. Embody ourCultureandValues Responsibilities Design, implement, test and support systems-level firmware on modern Windows-based devicesand accessories. Lead adiverse team of firmware and system engineersthrough the Software Development Life cycle to ship hardware products Drive performance, stability and feature enhancements for the device level experiencesaligned with Windows and Devices roadmaps Collaborate with teams across Microsoft and the Windows Ecosystem to bring up new hardware designs. 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. Preferred Qualification: 5+ years of experience in software and/or hardware product development. 5+ years' experience working with hardware devices and debugging. Experiencewiththe Rust programming language and associated design patterns. Familiarity withembedded Rust developmentand writing firmware for MCU-based designs. An understanding of cryptographic algorithms, security protocols, and encryption techniques. A deep understandingof software lifecycle in a device development environment and the interplay between software and hardware development and schedules. Experience in a technical leadership role, managing and mentoring a team of engineers while driving delivery of a shipped product. #W+DJOBS 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.