Principal Group Software Engineer Manager

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The Windows Silicon and Systems Integration (WSSI) team is at the forefront of shaping the future of Windows devices. Our mission is to deliver AI-first, system-optimized experiences by integrating silicon, hardware, and software to drive performance, battery life, and innovation across the Windows ecosystem. We co-engineer with silicon partners and OEMs to scale Windows on ARM and optimize Windows for next-generation SoCs, leading validation, automation, and performance analysis for AI workloads to ensure readiness for AI-powered Windows experiences.

We are seeking an experienced and talented engineering leader to drive software/firmware development, integration, and validation for the next generation of Windows products. You will lead a high-impact team responsible for analysis, debug, design, and implementation of effective, scalable solutions across a rapidly evolving technical landscape. This role requires strong engineering development and technical leadership experience, with a proven track record in consumer product development and market releases. You will work closely with software and firmware developers, management, and external partners to deliver high-quality, innovative products.

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:

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 8+ years software industry experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field AND 10+ years software industry experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in system software development.
  
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing people.
  
• Excellent C/C++ design, coding, and debugging skills.
  
• Track record of shipping high-volume consumer products and having been through at least two development cycles.
  
• Ability to quickly ramp up on complex and unfamiliar code.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 15 years of experience in software development.
• Technical leadership and talent development for high-performing teams.
  
• Experience working with geographically diverse teams and global stakeholders.
  
• Solid collaboration skills across organizational boundaries and disciplines (PM, Test, Hardware, etc.).
  
• Proven ability to drive product milestones and reviews in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
  
• Deep understanding of SoC architectures, embedded firmware, Windows/Linux OS internals, device drivers, and kernel programming.
  
• Experience with lab automation, device onboarding, and validation infrastructure.
  
• AI expertise: Familiarity with AI model validation, AI workload optimization, and building/servicing AI-powered systems is highly beneficial.
  Some domestic and international travel may be necessary.

#W+DJOBS

• Lead and grow a diverse team of engineers (SWEs, DVEs, PMs, lab engineers) to deliver on WSSI’s AI-first charter, including AI IHV co-engineering, AI fundamentals, lab infrastructure, and real-world workload validation.
• Drive deep integration with silicon partners and OEMs to scale Windows AI across platforms, ensuring foundational AI models and platform capabilities are validated, optimized, and production-ready.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of robust lab infrastructure, automation systems, and device onboarding to support early silicon bring-up, power lab validation, and compatibility testing.
• Champion the creation and execution of telemetry-driven microbenchmarks, “day-in-the-life” workloads, and end-to-end scenario validation to ensure Windows delivers best-in-class user experiences.
• Foster a high-impact, collaborative, and AI-first engineering culture with strong ties to Redmond and global stakeholders.
• Ensure execution excellence in debugging, triaging, regression analysis, and supporting robust lab operations.
• Deliver high-quality results with full ownership and accountability.
• Own career development of team members through active coaching and mentorship.
• Create a strong culture of engineering excellence, customer passion, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.
• Hire and develop the best talent.
• Must be self-driven, curious to learn, proactive, and result-oriented.