Microsoft’s M365 Core App and Data Platform is a massively scaled service that forms the backbone of M365 offerings. Our services empower businesses, educational institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide, representing more than a billion users.
We are on an ambitious journey to reimagine the way we index and understand enterprise data in the era of Large Language Models (LLMs). We are building the Semantic Fabric - a revolutionary technology designed to provide a semantic index for all enterprise data within M365. This innovative platform will deliver exceptional semantic search experiences and integrate seamlessly with LLMs for contextual understanding. This initiative is vital to our vision for Microsoft’s Copilot.
We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer - AI Copilot Search with a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology. In this role, you will lead and contribute in a team that is developing, designing, and operating large-scale data systems that make up our next-generation platform. As a part of our team, your work will have a direct impact on people globally and on one of the world’s most significant data platforms.
At Microsoft, we value diversity and ensure all voices are heard. A healthy work-life balance is essential to us, and we’re a team that works hard but also knows how to have fun. If you’re excited by the opportunity to contribute to transformative technological advances and make an impact on a global scale, this could be the role for you!
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:

• 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:

• Experience with Artificial Intelligence.
• Experience with C#, RUST programming language, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
• Familiarity with Semantic Search or Indexing technology.
• Proficient experience in any modern continuous delivery/deployment system.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor less experienced team members and to lead small to medium-sized projects.
• Problem-solving skills, with the ability to think quickly and thoroughly.
  Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $137,600 - $267,000 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 $180,400 - $294,000 per year.
  Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
  Microsoft will accept applications for the role until April 4, 2025.

• Leading the development of the Semantic Fabric, a cutting-edge technology delivering semantic indexing and search experiences across Microsoft Office 365.
• Building scalable, high-performance software services over large datasets with low latency and high availability.
• Ensuring the platform adheres to Microsoft’s strict data privacy and compliance standards.
• Leading the team to design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software solutions to meet the functional and non-functional requirements of the Semantic Fabric.
• Collaborating with team members and other engineering teams to ensure the successful integration of individual components into the larger system.
• Actively driving in architectural discussions and decisions, playing a key role in selecting technologies, designing scalable and sustainable solutions, and planning for future growth.
• Proactively identifying technical debt and other issues impacting the performance or reliability of the software and devising solutions.
• Constantly staying informed about the latest developments in the LLM and semantic search field and identifying opportunities to apply new methods or technologies to improve the Semantic Fabric.
• Taking part in code reviews, both as a reviewer and a reviewee, to ensure the quality of the software and promote best practices within the team.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including team members, other teams, and customers, to gather feedback and ensure the software meets their needs.
• Ensuring the software complies with Microsoft’s security and privacy standards.
• Identifying risks that could impact the delivery of the software, and taking action to mitigate these risks.