Principal Software Engineer - Software for Open Networking in the Cloud

Who you are

You have a strong background in software engineering with a focus on building scalable systems — your experience includes designing and implementing software for large-scale data centers, and you understand the complexities involved in managing network infrastructure. You are proficient in C# and have a solid understanding of Azure services, which allows you to create robust solutions that meet the demands of hyperscale cloud computing.

Your expertise extends to AI technologies, enabling you to integrate intelligent features into networking solutions — you have a passion for open-source software and have contributed to community-driven projects, fostering collaboration and innovation. You are comfortable working in a Linux environment and have experience with Python, which you use to automate tasks and enhance system performance.

You thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems — your communication skills allow you to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively. You are driven by a growth mindset and are eager to mentor junior engineers, sharing your knowledge and helping them develop their skills.

Desirable

Experience with telemetry data and network performance monitoring is a plus — familiarity with advanced networking concepts, such as packet forwarding and switch management, will help you excel in this role. You are also interested in contributing to the development of AI-driven networking solutions, enhancing the capabilities of the Azure Networking team.

What you'll do

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the development of software for the Software for Open Networking in the Cloud (SONiC) team — your responsibilities include designing and implementing features that support next-generation switches, ensuring high performance and reliability in network operations. You will work on enhancing packet forwarding capabilities and providing extensive telemetry data to optimize network performance.

You will collaborate with the physical network team to integrate software solutions with hardware components, ensuring seamless operation across Azure data centers — your role will involve troubleshooting complex issues and implementing solutions that improve system efficiency. You will also engage with the open-source community, contributing to the SONiC project and promoting best practices in network software development.

Your work will directly impact the performance of Microsoft’s cloud services, including Azure and Bing — you will be responsible for driving innovation in networking technologies, exploring new approaches to enhance the scalability and reliability of the infrastructure. You will participate in design reviews and technical discussions, influencing the direction of the team and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

What we offer

Microsoft offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the future of cloud networking — you will have access to cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry. We provide competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

You will be part of a culture that values diversity and inclusion, encouraging you to bring your unique perspective to the team — we believe that diverse teams drive better outcomes and foster innovation. Join us in our mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.