Job description
The Azure Blob Storage team is focused on building the data foundation that supports artificial intelligence (AI) innovation.
We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer/Architect - Azure Blob Storage to design and develop the next generation of intelligent storage systems built for demanding AI and machine learning (ML) workloads.
Computing is evolving rapidly.
Large-scale foundation models, generative AI, and real-time inference are changing how data moves, scales, and performs.
Azure Blob Storage is advancing beyond traditional storage to become an AI-native platform that meets the scale, throughput, and latency requirements of modern AI.
From high-bandwidth training pipelines to low-latency model serving, you will help architect systems that enable innovation at zettabyte scale.
This role offers the opportunity to work on one of the largest and most advanced storage platforms in partnership with global leaders in AI.
You will design distributed systems that deliver availability, durability, and performance at scale, supporting AI applications on Microsoft Azure.
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**
+ Design and deliver next-generation distributed storage systems optimized for AI/ML workloads, from training to inferencing.
+ Provide technical leadership across architecture, development, testing, and deployment at hyperscale.
+ Drive innovations in scalability, performance, security, and efficiency to meet the demands of zettabyte-scale storage.
+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams — from AI researchers to cloud infrastructure engineers — to ensure storage meets the needs of cutting-edge AI workloads.
+ Mentor and guide other engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
+ Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and trends to anticipate the future of AI-native storage.
**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, or Python
+ OR equivalent experience.
+ 5+ years of systems experience in hands-on development of reliable and performant distributed systems
**Other Qualifications:**
+ 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 Qualifications:**
+ 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, OR Python
+ OR Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, or Python
+ OR equivalent experience.
+ 1+ years experience with storage system internals in areas such as availability, remote replication, durability schemes, and high-performance I/O.
+ 1+ years experience with in one or more of the following domains:
+ Database internals (e.g., query execution engines, transaction processing, storage engines)
+ Indexing and search techniques (e.g., B-Trees, LSM Trees, inverted indexes, vector search)
+ Caching and data placement strategies (e.g., tiered storage, content-aware caching, hot/cold data separation)
+ Metadata and namespace management at scale
+ 1+ years experience in leading technical direction and influence architecture across teams.
A mindset oriented toward innovation, performance, and building at planetary scale.
Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $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 (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay %20 )
Microsoft will accept applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.
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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer.
Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .
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