Principal Software Engineer, Windows Apps & Developer Ecosystem

Microsoft • Redmond, WA

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About The Position

The Microsoft Store team is seeking a Principal Software Engineer, Windows Apps & Developer Ecosystem to grow the Windows developer ecosystem and increase the number of high-quality applications on Windows and in the Microsoft Store. As a member of the Microsoft Store leadership team, you will define and execute our developer and independent software vendor (ISV) engagement strategy. You will work with developers, strategic partners, and Microsoft engineering teams to strengthen the app ecosystem, remove barriers to adoption, bring innovation through Artificial Intelligence (AI), influence platform capabilities, and help developers succeed on Windows. You will also apply your technical expertise to guide application architecture and identify opportunities for new services, Software Development Kits (SDKs), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and tools. Where needed, you will lead or contribute directly to the design and development of these capabilities. At Microsoft, our mission—to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress—people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.
• 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

• 10+ years of experience building and shipping native applications on Windows or other modern client platforms.
• Experience publishing, operating, or growing applications through an app store ecosystem.
• Experience working directly with developers or software vendors (ISVs) to resolve complex technical challenges and drive product adoption.
• Deep expertise in Windows application development, developer tooling, and platform technologies.
• Deep understanding of app publishing, commerce, acquisition, engagement, and growth through the Microsoft Store.
• Experience designing or building developer-facing SDKs, APIs, frameworks, services, or tooling.
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives from concept through delivery, influencing without direct authority.
• Experience with cross-platform, mobile, or desktop application ecosystems.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with developers, engineering teams, and executive stakeholders.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing application performance, distribution, monetization, and developer experience at scale.
• Strategic mindset with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership through technical influence, innovation, and execution.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with developers, ISVs, and Microsoft product teams, helping them publish and grow successful applications on Windows.
• Lead complex technical engagements across application architecture, distribution, commerce, analytics, and lifecycle management.
• Design and build developer-facing services, SDKs, APIs, and tooling that simplify app development, increase platform adoption, and help developers succeed on Windows.
• Represent the voice of the developer ecosystem by translating customer feedback, market trends, and industry insights into platform strategy, product investments, and roadmap priorities.
• Own ambiguous, cross-team initiatives from discovery and technical strategy through implementation, launch, and measurement, creating clarity across organizational boundaries and ensuring solutions meet high standards for quality, security, reliability, and maintainability.
• Define success measures for developer engagements and platform initiatives, use feedback and data to evaluate outcomes, and apply those learnings to improve future investments and developer experiences.

What This Job Offers

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