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Microsoft Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hazen and Sawyer

Principal Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Principal Engineer for our Fairfax, VA office. Why Hazen and Sawyer ... Proficient in standard software platforms (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, etc.) * Strong ...

TQL

Principal Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site +1

As a Principal Engineer, you will join one of our product lines and work with agile teams ... Microsoft Azure and cloud technology experience is a plus Willingness to commit extra effort to ...

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do microsoft principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for microsoft principal engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a principal engineer at Microsoft make?

A Microsoft Principal Engineer typically earns between $150,000 and $250,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and specific technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microsoft Principal Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microsoft Principal Engineer, you need advanced expertise in software engineering, architecture design, and a deep understanding of computer science principles, often supported by a relevant degree and extensive experience. Proficiency with Microsoft technologies such as Azure, .NET, Visual Studio, and familiarity with DevOps tools and cloud platforms is essential, and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect are highly valued. Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking enable you to mentor teams and drive complex projects. These skills ensure you can deliver innovative solutions at scale, lead technical direction, and contribute to Microsoft's engineering excellence.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in high-demand fields such as software development, especially at large tech companies like Microsoft, can earn $300,000 or more annually, often including bonuses, stock options, and other benefits. Roles like Principal Engineer or Lead Engineer with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities are most likely to reach this compensation level.

What are Microsoft Principal Engineers?

Microsoft Principal Engineers are highly experienced technical leaders responsible for designing complex systems, providing architectural guidance, and driving innovation within the company. They often serve as technical mentors to other engineers, lead cross-functional projects, and help set technical direction for their teams or divisions. Principal Engineers have deep expertise in their fields and play a key role in shaping Microsoft's products and engineering culture. Their responsibilities also include collaborating with stakeholders across the organization and ensuring that solutions align with business goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a Microsoft Principal Engineer when leading cross-functional projects?

As a Microsoft Principal Engineer, one common challenge is aligning diverse technical and business teams toward a shared vision, especially in large-scale, cross-functional projects. You’ll often need to balance immediate project needs with long-term architectural goals, while ensuring effective communication across teams with varying priorities and expertise. Navigating organizational complexity and influencing without direct authority are key aspects of the role. Success relies on strong leadership, stakeholder management, and the ability to drive consensus among senior engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

What is the difference between Microsoft Principal Engineer vs Microsoft Senior Engineer?

CriteriaMicrosoft Principal EngineerMicrosoft Senior Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; significant experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership in technical projects, cross-team collaborationIndividual contributor, focused on project execution
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across Microsoft for senior technical leadership rolesCommonly used for experienced technical contributors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior technical roles at MicrosoftDistinguishing levels of seniority within Microsoft engineering

The Microsoft Principal Engineer is a senior technical leadership role focused on guiding large projects and influencing technical strategy, often leading multiple teams. In contrast, the Microsoft Senior Engineer is an experienced individual contributor primarily responsible for executing complex technical tasks. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the Principal Engineer emphasizes leadership and strategic impact, while the Senior Engineer concentrates on technical expertise and project delivery.

What is level 69 at Microsoft?

Level 69 at Microsoft typically corresponds to a senior technical or engineering role, often involving advanced expertise and leadership responsibilities. It is part of Microsoft's internal leveling system used to define job seniority, compensation, and expectations, with levels generally increasing with experience and impact. Specific roles and requirements can vary depending on the team and job function.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers at top technology companies, including roles like Principal Engineer or Distinguished Engineer, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or specialized expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or software architecture.
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Microsoft Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microsoft Principal Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Universal Engineering Sciences

Diberville, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Universal Engineering Sciences rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

326th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview
As a Principal Engineer, will apply fundamental engineering principles to design, field assessments, and construction oversight. The position will complete projects for existing clients as well as contribute, lead, design, and streamline the daily engineering operations to ensure they align with the business objectives set forth by senior management, while supporting various departments.
Responsibilities
  • Provide senior technical oversight and expertise on complex proposals and projects
  • Examine engineering reports, lot letters and field recommendations produced by field staff
  • Provide recommendations to leadership as well as mentorship and guidance to other engineers and project managers
  • Generate reports, recommendations and other documentation needed by clients, including engineering and design
  • Conduct site meetings, site estimates, and project recommendations for prospective and current clients
  • Create, prepare and update project proposals and technical reports in a timely manner
  • Collaborate with senior management to improve consistency and efficiency in reporting procedures
  • Develop and manage projects with new and existing clients, ensuring profitability
  • Participate in business development, networking and marketing
  • Review, update and approve invoices weekly for on-going projects
  • Maintain excellent communication both verbally and electronically with senior management, project managers and colleagues
  • Maintain a billable utilization rate of 50%
  • Follow all company safety procedures and policies
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university
  • Professional Engineering license (PE) with the ability to obtain additional state licenses as needed
  • Experience of 15+ years in Geotechnical and/or CMT field
  • Valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record
  • Knowledge of geotechnical and construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, and soil classifications
  • Ability to calculate results from geotechnical/construction materials testing data
  • Ability to read and interpret construction documents, detailed reports, correspondence and memos
  • Ability to accurately complete field-testing documentation and detailed figures
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
  • Ability to write technical reports, proposals, business correspondences and/or procedure manuals as needed
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations, to customers, clients, construction teams, and other employees of the organization
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Boring Log software, AutoCAD and other engineering design software, deep foundation software, slope stability software, laboratory software and settlement software
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to use technology/computer
  • Strong leadership skills and detail oriented
  • Ability to effectively prioritize and execute multiple tasks in a high-pressure environment
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, overtime, overnight and travel as needed
    Travel Requirements
    • This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business
    objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on
    project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may
    be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and
    use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.
    Physical Demands & Work Environment
    • Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as precipitation, extreme cold or heat, dusty and noisy work environments.
    • Office work requires long-term sitting and computer work
    • The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:
      • Ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
      • Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as drive long distances
      • Frequent use of fingers, hands and arms for typing, cellphone
      • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, lift, carry, and push repetitively
      • Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate sometimes with noisy environments

    EEO Statement
    UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here

    • What Universal Engineering Sciences employees say

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    Get the full story on Breakroom

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    About Universal Engineering Sciences

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Universal Engineering Sciences, based in Orlando, FL, US, is a reputable name in the field of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and inspection services. With an impressive industry presence of over six decades since its establishment in 1964, Universal Engineering Sciences specializes in providing engineering consulting services that effectively address multiple civil, structural, and geotechnical challenges. Their extensive service portfolio includes environmental assessments, field testing services, laboratory testing services, and quality control consulting, among others. As a stalwart advocate of integrity, excellence, service, and people, Universal Engineering Sciences takes pride in delivering exceptional services that realize their mission of setting industry standards through technical superiority and efficient communication.

    Industry

    Construction

    Company size

    1,001 - 5,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Orlando, FL, US

    Year founded

    1964

    Social media

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