Principal Software Engineer

Overview 

The Azure SQL team in Azure Data at Microsoft is responsible for Azure SQL DB, SQL MI, SQL VM (IaaS) cloud services, SQL Server on-prem and Arc enabled SQL Server. Together, they power many of the world's mission critical databases and are deployed by most of the Fortune 1000 companies. A key part of the database experience is the client SDK's we provide developers for connecting to the SQL family of databases all the way from on-premises to the cloud. These SDK's span a variety of languages and frameworks such as Python, Java, C++, C# and related object relational mapping frameworks.   

We are in search of a skilled Principal Software Engineer with a passion for hands-on development, to lead and innovate within our engineering team. The primary mission for this role is to enhance SQL Server client drivers by not only boosting their performance, reliability, maintainability, and usability but also by improving their integration with various language-specific data frameworks. This position entails a strong focus on collaboration within and across teams, aiming to foster a culture of innovation in data API development and to streamline the integration of Azure SQL databases into the latest web, mobile, and microservice architectures.  

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will act as a technical leader in challenging areas, guiding the team through complex problems with your expertise. Your role will be instrumental in building new leaders within the team, sharing your knowledge and experience to uplift others.   

This position goes beyond mere coding; it's about making a tangible impact on our products and the experience we deliver to our customers. You will have the autonomy to drive significant improvements and be empowered to make strategic decisions that influence the direction of our products. We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating an environment where continuous learning and growth are central to all interactions, encouraging every team member to reach their full potential.  

 Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we’re dedicated to this mission across every aspect of our company. Our culture is centered on embracing a growth mindset and encouraging teams and leaders to bring their best each day. Join us and help shape the future of the world.  

Qualifications 

Required Qualifications:   

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, or related technical discipline AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Rust, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python  

• OR equivalent experience.  

• 3+ years of experience as an Tech lead  

• 10+ years of experience designing, building and shipping large scale cloud services.   

Preferred Qualifications:     

• Prior development experience with the Rust language is a plus.  

• Prior experience working with ODBC, JDBC, and other database drivers is a plus.  

• Prior experience with building API libraries for application developers. 

• Building applications/micro-services in Azure, AWS or GCP.

Responsibilities 

• Serves as a technical lead for high-impact projects, ensuring timely delivery with a focus on quality. While not managing a team directly, collaborates closely with engineers to guide project direction and execution, ensuring that technical and business objectives align seamlessly.  

• Offers deep technical guidance in areas including architecture, design, code reviews, development, quality assurance, and live site management. This role is pivotal in upholding the technical excellence of the team's output, contributing significantly to project success.  

• Collaborates with Program and Product Managers to identify and articulate the most critical, urgent, or impactful areas, facilitating clear project scopes and the efficient division of responsibilities among teams. This ensures seamless collaboration and maximizes project efficiency within the business's rhythm of sprints.  

• Embodies and promotes Microsoft's values through mentorship and collaboration, acting as a role model for engineers. By demonstrating best practices in grooming tasks and managing project backlogs, encourages a culture of continuous learning and innovation among peers.  

• Engages in partnerships with peer teams engaged in similar technical domains, enhancing cross-team collaboration and leveraging shared knowledge and experiences. This collaborative spirit not only fosters team growth but also ensures that the team is aligned with the overarching goals and strategies of the organization.