The Compute Graph Compiler (CGC) team within DirectX is building core compiler and execution technologies that power the Windows Machine Learning Platform. Our mission is to make Windows the best platform for AI development and deployment, enabling efficient execution of machine learning workloads across CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs from a broad ecosystem of silicon partners. CGC sits at the heart of the Windows ML ecosystem, powering experiences used by millions of developers and customers worldwide. Our technologies enable computer vision, audio, video, gaming, and generative AI workloads across the Windows platform, including emerging AI-first experiences and next-generation Copilot+ PC capabilities. As AI becomes a fundamental platform shift, CGC is responsible for the compiler infrastructure, optimization frameworks, execution engines, and hardware abstractions that unlock the performance and efficiency of modern AI accelerators. We work closely with Microsoft AI platform teams, hardware partners, and operating system components to define the future of AI execution on Windows.
We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help define and drive the next generation of AI compute infrastructure for Windows. In this role, you will lead architecture and technical strategy across compiler technologies, execution runtimes, and hardware acceleration platforms spanning CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs. You will influence the direction of Microsoft's AI platform, collaborate with industry-leading silicon partners, and drive innovations that enable efficient execution of increasingly complex AI workloads. This role is ideal for engineers who are energized by large-scale platform engineering, deep systems work, and the opportunity to shape technology that impacts millions of users and developers.
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.
Responsibilities
A successful candidate for this position will be one who:
- Define and drive the technical vision, architecture, and roadmap for key components of the Windows ML compiler stack.
- Lead cross-team initiatives that improve AI workload performance, scalability, and efficiency across CPU, GPU, and NPU hardware.
- Drive NPU enablement strategy and advanced optimization techniques for next-generation AI processors.
- Partner with hardware vendors and internal platform teams to influence future AI hardware and software capabilities.
- Design and develop high-performance compiler infrastructure, execution engines, and developer tooling.
- Identify and solve complex systems challenges involving scheduling, memory management, code generation, graph optimization, and hardware abstraction.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple projects and organizations.
- Help shape Microsoft's long-term strategy for on-device AI and generative AI execution on Windows.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor'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 equivalent experience.
Other Requirements: Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
Preferred Qualification:
- 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.
- 6+ years of experience working at low levels of software stack, device driver development, and/or integration of hardware and software
Deep knowledge with hands-on experience in ML compiler, tool, and platform technology.
10+ years of experience delivering world-class system software.
In-depth experience and knowledge in operating system development in either user-mode or kernel-mode driver development.
A proven track record of significant technical leadership in research and development of AI platforms or frameworks technology.
Prior experience in the design and development of ML hardware microarchitecture in real-world products.
Proficient communication/customer interfacing skills and the ability to deal with ambiguity and prioritize issues.
#W+DJOBS
#MLCompilers, #MLPlatform, #Runtime, #Kerneloptimizations
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
- 8+ years of technical engineering experience with coding in languages including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python, or equivalent experience
- Ability to pass Microsoft's Cloud Background Check and applicable customer or government security screenings
- Master's degree in Computer Science or related field and 12+ years of technical engineering experience, or bachelor's degree and 15+ years, or equivalent experience
- 6+ years working at low levels of the software stack, in device driver development, and/or hardware-software integration
- Deep hands-on knowledge of ML compilers, tools, and platform technology
- 10+ years of experience delivering world-class system software
- In-depth operating systems development experience in user mode or kernel mode driver development
- Significant technical leadership experience in AI platforms or frameworks research and development
- Experience designing and developing ML hardware microarchitecture in real-world products
- Proficient communication and customer-interfacing skills, with the ability to handle ambiguity and prioritize issues
Microsoft Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Microsoft and has not been reviewed or approved by Microsoft.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is presented as broadly competitive overall, with clear role/level/location variation and an emphasis on using posted ranges and band information for apples-to-apples comparisons.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout, highlighted by a strong 401(k) match structure and immediate vesting, plus additional plan features for tax-advantaged saving.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits are portrayed as a meaningful strength, with substantial paid parental leave and added supports like back-up care and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
Microsoft Insights
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