Principal Software Engineer- AI Search

Join Microsoft's Azure AI Search team as a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge search experiences powered by Microsoft AI. This role sits at the intersection of AI, Information Retrieval, Cloud Services, and security, focusing on the Azure AI Search Engineering Foundations team. You'll own the secure development lifecycle, including developer tools, CI/CD processes, and operational tooling. The position offers a unique opportunity to impact both internal engineering systems and customer-facing APIs, particularly as Azure AI Search evolves to power leading generative AI applications like ChatGPT.

As a Principal Engineer, you'll be responsible for establishing frameworks, patterns, and infrastructure that enable teams to self-service their release, compliance, and foundational needs. The role combines strategic technical leadership with hands-on development, requiring expertise in large-scale distributed systems, security, and cloud architecture. You'll work with cutting-edge AI technology while ensuring the platform's reliability, scalability, and security.

Microsoft offers competitive compensation with a base salary range of $137,600 - $267,000 (higher in SF and NYC areas), comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work remotely. The position requires 6+ years of technical engineering experience and a proven track record of leading teams through complex architectural decisions. You'll be joining at an exciting time of growth and innovation in AI technology, with the chance to significantly impact one of Microsoft's key AI services.

This role is perfect for a seasoned engineer who combines technical excellence with leadership skills, has a passion for AI and cloud technologies, and wants to be at the forefront of developing infrastructure that powers next-generation AI applications. You'll work in a collaborative environment that values growth mindset and inclusive culture, with opportunities to mentor and influence both technical direction and team culture.