Principal Software Engineer- Compute Graph Compiler (CGC) Team

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

12d • $165,600 - $331,200

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal