[Hiring] Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - Data Science @Microsoft

Role Description

In the Microsoft Frontier Company Engineering team, you won’t just build software; you’ll deliver real outcomes for some of the world’s most complex organizations. As a Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - Data Science, you will be a customer embedded engineer to serve as the primary technical leader aligned to a strategic account, driving business outcomes through hands-on execution and multidisciplinary expertise.

• Build and ship production-grade solutions.
• Work directly with customers to translate business needs into clear technical approaches.
• Operate with speed in complex, fast-moving environments.
• This is a senior individual contributor role requiring strong technical depth, credibility with senior stakeholders, industry context, and an entrepreneurial approach to navigating ambiguity and delivering sustained impact over time.

Responsibilities

• Drive customer outcomes by shaping opportunities and translating business needs into clear, actionable technical approaches.
• Build and deliver production-grade solutions in customer environments, demonstrating strong engineering execution and end-to-end ownership.
• Accelerate time to value by operating effectively in ambiguity and delivering iterative, high-impact solutions.
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders to build trust, align priorities, and guide technical and business decision-making.
• Apply industry and customer context to tailor solutions and move beyond generic approaches.
• Prepare and transition work to FDE crews with clear scope and strong technical direction, maintaining continuity across the engagement lifecycle.
• Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset to navigate complex account dynamics, set boundaries, and drive urgency and accountability.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR
• Master's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR
• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 7+ years data science experience (e.g., managing structured and unstructured data, applying statistical techniques and reporting results) OR equivalent experience.

Requirements

• Microsoft is unable to sponsor a work visa for this role due to the nature of the role’s job duties.
• 5+ years customer-facing, project-delivery experience, professional services, and/or consulting experience.
• Experience partnering directly with customers or internal stakeholders to deliver solutions end-to-end.
• Enjoy travel and are comfortable with travel up to 25%.

Benefits

• Data Science 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.