Principal Software Engineering

Overview

We are looking for an outstanding Principal Software Engineering Manager to join the Microsoft Discovery team and work on an exciting new AI-driven platform that will transform the scientific research process. Microsoft Discovery is a cutting-edge enterprise platform that uses AI agents and high-performance computing to accelerate research and development (R&D) in science and engineering. Microsoft Discovery is already driving breakthroughs in collaboration with partners across industries like chemistry and materials, energy, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, showcasing its potential to solve real-world challenges through AI-powered discovery.

We innovate quickly, learn from data and experience, think creatively, and aren’t afraid to laugh and have fun – all while tackling challenging customer and partner problems. You will be part of a startup-like environment within Microsoft, joining a highly motivated team that enjoys tough challenges and rapid development iterations. We collaborate closely with key platform teams across Microsoft and Microsoft Research to design, build, and operate the Discovery platform and related products.

Responsibilities

As a Principal Software Engineering Manager, you will:

• Architect and build scalable, distributed systems from the ground up.
• Drive features from ideation to global rollout.
• Mentor engineers and lead design/code reviews.
• Improve engineering velocity and service reliability through adoption of AI-enabled process enhancements.
• Collaborate across Microsoft Research and platform teams to integrate cutting-edge technologies.
• Apply site-reliability engineering practices to ensure robust operations.
  
  

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in commercial software development.

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science or related field.
• General awareness of building AI-powered services and multi-agent systems.
• Proven experience building and operating reliable distributed systems.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience with cloud platforms and enterprise-scale services.
• Experience with widely-used scientific tools in chemistry, physics and bio sciences.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a bias for action.
• Passion for scientific innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) is a plus.
  
  

Microsoft Mission and Culture

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we embrace a growth mindset and work together to innovate, collaborate, and realize shared goals. We ground ourselves in the values of respect, integrity, and accountability, and we strive to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. This role embodies those values by combining cutting-edge technology with a passion for helping researchers and organizations achieve more.

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.

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