Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer | Microsoft Careers Skip to main content Microsoft Careers Careers Careers Search Search jobs Sign in Single PositionView All JobsPrincipal Software EngineerUnited States, California, Mountain View +4 moreApply nowAdd to cartFind out how well you match with this jobUpload your resumeJob descriptionCompany and benefitsJob number200043354Date postedJul 20, 2026Work site3 days / week in-officeTravelLess than 25%ProfessionSoftware EngineeringDisciplineSoftware EngineeringRole typeIndividual ContributorEmployment typeFull-TimeOverviewThe Microsoft Azure team is seeking a Principal Software Engineer  to lead the development of firmware , debugging, and validation of next-generation firmware solutions for Microsoft AI accelerators and cloud silicon platforms.This role is focused on the architecting, development , debug and deployment of silicon firmware libraries  focused on Compute Domains and ANC (Accelerator Network Controller). This will require experience in SoC architecture, low-level firmware, silicon bring-up, hardware/software co-design, and platform initialization flows. The candidate will serve as a technical leader driving IP Firmware library  architecture across multiple silicon programs while collaborating with hardware architects, validation engineers, security and Platform firmware and software teams. The role needs to be technical hands on leaders who will  influence architecture across teams, drive complex initiatives, and effectively communicate with executives, customers, and engineering stakeholders.ResponsibilitiesDefine and drive firmware architecture for Silicon firmware libraries for ANC, Compute, and SoC infrastructure subsystems.Influence microarchitecture decisions by working closely with silicon architects during specification and design phases.Lead firmware strategy across multiple silicon generations and platform programs..Provide technical leadership across firmware, hardware, validation, and software organizations.Develop silicon firmware libraries in C/C++ for Compute engines, ANC sub system, DMA Engines, and other similar IP blocks.Develop scalable and maintainable firmware frameworks and APIs.Lead first-silicon bring-up activities.Drive root-cause analysis for firmware, hardware, performance, and validation issues.Define firmware verification requirements and test plans.Lead cross-team initiatives spanning firmware, silicon architecture, software, security, and system integration.Create engineering alignment across geographically distributed teams.Collaborate with Azure hardware, platform software, systems, and validation organizations.Represent firmware technical direction in leadership and architecture reviews.Develop engineering best practices, coding standards, and architectural review processes.Guide and support engineers across experience levels in their professional and technical growth.QualificationsRequired 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:12–15+ years of experience in firmware, embedded systems, or SoC development.Experience as a technical lead for complex silicon or firmware programs.Demonstrated ownership of architecture, development, and delivery of production-quality firmware.Good Programming skills in C/C++ and Python.Experience in...