[Hiring] Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - Software Engineering @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 - Software Engineering, 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. In this role, you will:

• 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.
• Deliver 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

• 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.
• 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 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.
• Hands-on AI solution delivery experience, including building and deploying LLM-based systems, ensuring model quality and performance, and partnering with stakeholders to deliver end-to-end solutions using modern cloud AI platforms.
• Experience partnering directly with customers or internal stakeholders to deliver solutions end-to-end.
• Enjoy travel and are comfortable with travel up to 25%.

Requirements

• Microsoft is unable to sponsor a work visa for this role due to the nature of the role’s job duties.

Benefits

• The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year.
• In specific locations such as the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
• Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.