Job description

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Microsoft is focused on building the data foundation that supports artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer/Architect to design and develop intelligent storage systems for AI and machine learning workloads, ensuring high availability and performance at scale. Responsibilities • Design and deliver next-generation distributed storage systems optimized for AI/ML workloads, from training to inferencing. • Provide technical leadership across architecture, development, testing, and deployment at hyperscale. • Drive innovations in scalability, performance, security, and efficiency to meet the demands of zettabyte-scale storage. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams — from AI researchers to cloud infrastructure engineers — to ensure storage meets the needs of cutting-edge AI workloads. • Mentor and guide other engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration. • Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and trends to anticipate the future of AI-native storage. Skills • 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, or Python OR equivalent experience. • 5+ years of systems experience in hands-on development of reliable and performant distributed systems. • 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. • 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, OR Python OR Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, or Python OR equivalent experience. • 1+ years experience with storage system internals in areas such as availability, remote replication, durability schemes, and high-performance I/O. • 1+ years experience with in one or more of the following domains: Database internals (e.g., query execution engines, transaction processing, storage engines), Indexing and search techniques (e.g., B-Trees, LSM Trees, inverted indexes, vector search), Caching and data placement strategies (e.g., tiered storage, content-aware caching, hot/cold data separation), Metadata and namespace management at scale. • 1+ years experience in leading technical direction and influence architecture across teams. A mindset oriented toward innovation, performance, and building at planetary scale. Company Overview • Microsoft is a software corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. It was founded in 1975, and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is https://www.microsoft.com. Company H1B Sponsorship • Microsoft has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 7425 in 2025, 9343 in 2024, 7677 in 2023, 11403 in 2022, 7210 in 2021, 7852 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.

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