Principal Software Engineer

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Within the Developer Division, the Languages, Runtimes, and Compilers Group at Microsoft is responsible for best-in-class support for C++, Java, .NET (C#, Visual Basic, and F#), Python, Rust, and Go. Developer Division in CoreAI believes that software development is rapidly evolving in the age of Artificial Intelligence. We are building the future of platforms and tools for this new era—and we are looking for developers who are not only early adopters of AI-powered development tools, but who are also actively exploring how Large Language Models (LLMs) can enhance their effectiveness and impact. Be a part of a team that values collaboration and the idea of working better together. Come and help us define the language, optimize the compiler and runtime, and build tools that empower developers worldwide to build great software.

If you are ready to take on your next big challenge, join us to help redefine the future of developer tools. We are building the next generation of Python development experiences, combining state-of-the-art language services with AI-powered assistance.

Our team owns pylance, the leading Python language server, and debugpy, the Python debugger behind Visual Studio Code. We are now pushing further into the age of AI: integrating with GitHub Copilot, improving agent chat context with real-time diagnostic and linting insights, developing Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools, and reimagining debugging and software development in a world where AI and humans collaborate closely.

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead and contribute at the forefront of this transformation. This is a high-impact role where you will work on cutting-edge problems in language tooling, debugging, static analysis, and AI-assisted development — and shape the experience of millions of Python developers worldwide.

You will engage deeply with the Python community, the AI developer tools ecosystem, and internal partners across DevDiv, Office, Azure, and GitHub. You will contribute code, influence vision and strategy, and mentor engineers to deliver world-class tools that make developers more productive and creative than ever before.

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.
• 2+ years of experience in Python and one or more of: TypeScript, JavaScript, Rust.
• Experience designing and implementing language tooling (e.g., compilers, static analysis, language servers, debuggers, etc.).
• 6+ months of experience applying AI technologies (such as large language models or code generation tools) in software development workflows, including tasks like static analysis, automated documentation, or test generation.

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:

• Master'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 Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science 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 OR equivalent experience.
• Deep understanding of compiler and language service concepts such as parsing, type inference, diagnostics, and static/dynamic analysis.
• Experience working on developer tools, IDE extensions (Visual Studio or VS Code), or similar ecosystems.
• 1+ years of experience applying AI technologies (such as large language models or code generation tools) in software development workflows, including tasks like static analysis, automated documentation, or test generation
• Demonstrated engagement with open-source communities and customers via GitHub or other forums.
• Excellent technical leadership, mentoring, and cross-team collaboration skills.

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: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

#CoreAI

#DevDiv

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#RemoteFriendly #Remote

• Lead the design and implementation of core features in Pylance, debugpy, and related tools.
• Collaborate with AI teams to enhance Copilot chat and agent experiences with rich language and debugging context.
• Invent and prototype new paradigms for debugging and diagnostics in the AI era.
• Define and deliver Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations for Python and multi-language workflows.
• Drive deep customer engagement through GitHub, feedback channels, and direct interactions to gather insights and represent the Python developer's voice.
• Mentor engineers and help shape the vision for the Python tools team and its role in the broader Microsoft Artificial Intelligence & developer ecosystem.

• MS Culture & Values: Embody our Culture and Values.