Principal Software Engineer - Azure Core

Overview

We are seeking experienced engineers to help build cloud-native, open-source AI frameworks and platforms that power AI/ML training, fine-tuning, inference, and agentic applications at scale. This role focuses on designing and implementing Kubernetes-native abstractions and operators that make advanced AI workloads reliable, scalable, and easy for developers to consume across cloud and hybrid environments.

As a Principal Software Engineer - Azure Core you will contribute to and help lead work in upstream open-source communities while shaping and building production-grade AI platforms used by internal teams and external customers. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience building or operating AI/ML training, fine-tuning, and inference platforms in cloud-native environments, and is passionate about shaping the future of cloud-native AI infrastructure through open collaboration.

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.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain Kubernetes operators and controllers for AI/ML workloads
• Partner with product managers, business stakeholders, and users to understand user pain points deeply and create innovative solutions that delight your customers in an agile development environment.
• Contribute to applicable upstream open-source projects
• Write technical design documents and participate in architecture reviews
• Mentor team members and external contributors through code reviews
• Debug and optimize distributed AI systems running at scale
• Strive for excellence in everything you do: culture, collaboration, process, tools, design, engineering practices, customer experience, performance, security etc.

Qualifications

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, Go, 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:

• Master'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, JavaScript, Go, or Python
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 15+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Go, or Python
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience building or operating AI/ML training, fine-tuning, and inference platforms in cloud-native environments.
• Proficiency with Go and/or Python for building platform components, Kubernetes operators/controllers, and integrations in production environments.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to or maintaining open-source software, especially in the Kubernetes, AI/ML, or cloud-native ecosystem.

#azurecorejobs

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:
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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.