Principal Software Engineer - AI Experiences, Copilot Engineering
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 1, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 29, 2026. Microsoft scores B on the Alion truth index.
As Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of AI we are on the lookout for passionate individuals to work with us on the most interesting and challenging AI questions of our time. Our vision is to enable users to get more done in their existing workflows by maximally leveraging agentic workflows. It’s also inclusive: we make AI accessible to all - consumers, businesses, developers - so that everyone can realize its benefits.
Our AI Experiences, Copilot Engineering team is at the forefront of redefining how AI enhance everyday computing on Copilot. We build the full stack from working with data and models to user experiences with native tools and quality feedback loops. We’re shipping consumer-scale services that are transforming how users interact with their PCs. Whether it’s designing intelligent prompts, engineering robust backends to interface with models, or developing native Copilot platform and UX features, this team does it all.
As a Principal Software Engineer on the team, you will work at the intersection of distributed systems, AI, and agent-driven development to build systems that can reason, plan, and execute tasks-powering the next generation of AI-assisted and agentic computing experiences.
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.
AI Experiences employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft Hub in the U.S. are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Design and develop next generation products and features for Copilot experiences on Windows, Mac, and mobile.
- Design and develop secure and performant platform services that support Copilot experiences on Windows, Mac, and mobile.
- Work collaboratively with platform, infrastructure, application engineers and researchers to build next generation AI products and services.
- Ship high-quality, well-tested, secure, and maintainable code.
- Overcome obstacles to deliver work quickly and iteratively to users
- Enjoy working in a fast-paced, design-driven, product development cycle.
- Embody our Culture and Values.
Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ 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 15+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
- OR equivalent experience.
- Extensive hands-on experience using modern AI coding agents (e.g., Claude Code, Codex, Github Copilot, or similar tools), with a track record of:
- Acting as a team expert or go-to resource for AI-assisted/agentic development workflows
- Driving adoption of agentic coding tools to improve engineering velocity and code quality
- Defining best practices for prompt design, tool usage, and human-in-the-loop systems
Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $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
Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165,600 - $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.