Principal Software Engineer - Windows + Devices Engineering System Team at Microsoft

Redmond, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

06 Mar, 26

Salary

296400.0

Posted On

06 Dec, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

AI-Driven Test Automation, Test Automation, System Design, Windows OS Internals, Hardware Integration, Validation Frameworks, AI/ML Technologies, GitHub Copilot, VS Code, SWE Agent, AI Evals, Cross-Team Leadership, Mentoring, PC Ecosystems, Engineering Workflows, Continuous Improvement

Industry

Software Development

Description

Overview Windows + Devices powers experiences for over a billion users worldwide. The Engineering System team is the backbone that enables Windows engineers to design, build, validate, and ship at scale—securely and with high quality. We are modernizing engineering workflows using AI-driven automation to transform testing, validation, and self-hosting in order to drive Windows quality at scale. This role is pivotal in shaping next-generation validation and test automation strategies for Windows. As a Principal Software Engineer - Windows + Devices Engineering System Team, you will lead highly ambiguous technical initiatives that span multiple teams and domains. You will design and implement AI-powered test automation systems, define hardware validation strategies, and author intelligent tests that accelerate engineering velocity and quality. 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 AI-Driven Test Automation - Architect and implement a test automation system that leverages AI technologies to reduce reliance on self-hosting for day-to-day engineering workflows, including code flow and validation. - Integrate solutions with Windows build and validation pipelines to ensure scalable, policy-compliant adoption. Hardware Test Matrix Design - Define and maintain a comprehensive PC hardware test matrix that represents the diversity of Windows self-host populations. - Collaborate with OEM/IHV partners and internal hardware teams to ensure coverage across silicon, firmware, and OS layers. Intelligent Test Authoring - Author and optimize reliable tests using AI-assisted tools such as GitHub Copilot (with custom instructions), Engineering Copilot, and autonomous AI tools like SWE Agent - Drive best practices for AI-augmented test generation, validation, and continuous improvement across engineering teams. Cross-Team Technical Leadership - Partner with Build, Validation/Test, Developer Productivity, and AI platform teams to align goals and execution. - Influence architecture and roadmap decisions for AI-driven engineering workflows across Windows. 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, 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: 10+ years of software engineering experience, including deep expertise in test automation and system design. Proven track record of delivering large-scale engineering solutions across multiple teams and technologies. Well-versed knowledge of Windows OS internals, hardware integration, and validation frameworks. Experience with AI/ML technologies applied to developer workflows and test automation. Closely following the latest AI tooling and AI testing developments both inside and outside of Microsoft to track the rapidly developing frontier of what is possible Familiarity with GitHub Copilot, VS Code, SWE Agent, AI Evals, and AI-assisted development tools. Experience designing hardware validation strategies for diverse PC ecosystems. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-org initiatives and mentor senior engineers. #W+DJOBS #WINDOWSESJOBS 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: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay 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.

Responsibilities

The Principal Software Engineer will lead technical initiatives to design and implement AI-powered test automation systems and define hardware validation strategies. This role involves collaborating with multiple teams to enhance engineering velocity and quality.