The Azure Object Storage team is focused on building the data foundation that supports artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design and develop the next generation of intelligent storage systems built for demanding AI and machine learning (ML) workloads. Computing is evolving rapidly. Large-scale foundation models, generative AI, and real-time inference are changing how data moves, scales, and performs. Azure Object Storage is advancing beyond traditional storage to become an AI-native platform that meets the scale, throughput, and latency requirements of modern AI. From high-bandwidth training pipelines to low-latency model serving, you will help architect systems that enable innovation at zettabyte scale. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will shape system architecture for AI storage with a focus on the index layer, drive technical innovation across design and operations, address complex engineering challenges at hyperscale, and guide teams in building high-quality solutions. This role offers the opportunity to work on one of the largest storage platforms in partnership with global leaders in AI, designing distributed systems that deliver availability, durability, and performance for AI applications on Microsoft Azure. 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>3+ years of experience in designing and developing reliable, high-performance distributed systems with a strong focus on scalability and resilience.</li><li>3+ year(s) experience working with distributed systems, large-scale storage, and solving complex systems problems, including storage system internals such as availability, remote replication, durability schemes, and high-performance input/output (I/O).</li><li>2+ year(s) experience leading technical direction and influencing architecture across teams.</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 12+ 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>Demonstrated passion and hands-on experience with distributed systems and large-scale storage, including solving complex systems problems and working on storage internals such as availability, remote replication, durability schemes, and high-performance I/O.</li><li>Practical knowledge in one or more technical domains: database internals, indexing and search techniques, caching and data placement strategies, and metadata/namespace management at scale.</li><li>Proven ability to influence technical direction and contribute to architecture decisions across teams, fostering collaboration and innovation.</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.  Microsoft will accept applications and processes offers for these roles until October 27th, 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>Design and deliver next-generation distributed storage systems optimized for AI/ML workloads, from training to inferencing.</li><li>Provide technical leadership across architecture, development, testing, and deployment at hyperscale. </li><li>Drive innovations in scalability, performance, security, and efficiency to meet the demands of zettabyte-scale storage.</li><li>Collaborate with cross-functional teams — from AI researchers to cloud infrastructure engineers — to ensure storage meets the needs of cutting-edge AI workloads.</li><li>Mentor and guide other engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration.</li><li>Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and trends to anticipate the future of AI-native storage.</li></ul>