Join the Windows Core OS team advancing Direct3D and HLSL, Microsoft's industry-leading GPU programming platform powering gaming, graphics, and AI workloads.
In this role, as a Principal Software Engineer, you will work at the intersection of hardware and software to define next-generation graphics and compute capabilities, collaborating closely with GPU vendors and industry partners to drive innovation across the ecosystem.You will help shape GPU programming standards, influence future hardware and software directions, and deliver new Direct3D and HLSL features that enable developers to fully utilize modern GPU architectures.
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
- Drive the evolution and standardization of GPU programming models through the Direct3D API and HLSL shading language.
- Collaborate with GPU hardware vendors and industry partners to define future graphics and compute capabilities.
- Participate in industry standards organizations and technical working groups.
- Align technical designs and feature roadmaps across multiple hardware partners.
- Design, review, test, and ship new Direct3D and HLSL features.
- Analyze and optimize graphics and compute workloads across modern GPU architectures.
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 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.
- 8+ years of experience with Direct3D, Vulkan, HLSL, SPIR-V, or comparable GPU programming technologies.
- Experience with GPU compilers, shader optimization, graphics drivers, or hardware bring-up.
- Experience participating in industry standards organizations such as Khronos, DirectX working groups, or similar forums.
- Experience collaborating with GPU vendors including NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Qualcomm, or equivalent ecosystem partners.
- Demonstrated ability to influence technical strategy across organizations and external partners.
#W+DJOBS
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
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 related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience
- Proficiency coding in languages including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
- 8+ years of experience with Direct3D, Vulkan, HLSL, SPIR-V, or comparable GPU programming technologies
- Experience with GPU compilers, shader optimization, graphics drivers, or hardware bring-up
- Experience participating in industry standards organizations (e.g., Khronos, DirectX working groups)
- Experience collaborating with GPU vendors (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Qualcomm, or equivalent)
- Demonstrated ability to influence technical strategy across organizations and external partners
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
What We Do
At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our mission is grounded in both the world in which we live and the future we strive to create. Today, we live in a mobile-first, cloud-first world, and the transformation we are driving across our businesses is designed to enable Microsoft and our customers to thrive in this world.
