As a Principal Software Engineer on the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) team, you will help build a world-class container management and orchestration platform for the cloud and beyond. The team develops container solutions for Microsoft Azure across both Linux and Windows environments, enabling scalable and efficient infrastructure for a wide range of workloads. You will contribute to defining the next generation of cloud-native infrastructure on Azure. This includes building development and operations (DevOps) tools that simplify how software is built, deployed, and scaled in the cloud. The team is globally distributed across multiple countries and continents, and supports flexible work arrangements, including remote work. Your role will involve deep technical work focused on enhancing Kubernetes to support artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) workloads. You will design and develop infrastructure controllers, onboard new Kubernetes features, integrate with other Azure services, and build foundational components to automate and accelerate AI training and inference workloads. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on AKS customers at a time of rapid innovation in the AI space. 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.Required Qualifications: <ul><li>Bachelors 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 <ul><li>OR equivalent experience. </li></ul></li><li>5+ years of experience in building, shipping and operating reliable, distributed solutions.</li></ul>Other Qualifications: <ul><li>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:  <ul><li>Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. </li></ul></li></ul>Preferred Qualifications: <ul><li>Bachelors Degree in Computer Science <ul><li>OR related technical field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, OR Python </li><li>OR Masters 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, or Python </li><li>OR equivalent experience. </li></ul></li><li>1+ year(s) experience building AI solutions using agentic AI tools.</li><li>1+ year(s) experience training, fine tuning models.</li></ul>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: <a href="https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay" target="_blank">https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay</a>  Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 17th, 2025.   Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the <a href="https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/accommodationrequest" target="_blank">Accommodation request form</a>. Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work. #azurecorejobs<ul><li>Leverages subject-matter expertise of cross-product features with appropriate stakeholders (e.g., project managers) to drive multiple groups project plans, release plans, and work items. </li><li>Drive the features from idea to production.</li><li>Master in emerging technologies, from software to hardware. Leading the design the implementations that advance Azure Kubernetes Service for artificial intelligence Al workloads.</li><li>Fully leverage AI in product development.</li><li>Maintains communication and make clarities with partners across the Microsoft ecosystem of engineers. Contribute to partner’s success.</li></ul>