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Principal Performance Architect Microsoft Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Performance Architect Microsoft information

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$80.5K

$171.4K

$231K

How much do principal performance architect microsoft jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal performance architect microsoft in the United States is $171,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,000.00 and $194,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Performance Architect Microsoft vs Performance Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Performance Architect MicrosoftPerformance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and certifications in performance analysis, cloud architecture, or related fieldsOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related fields, with certifications like ISTQB or performance testing certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic roles within large organizations, focusing on system architecture and performance optimization at enterprise levelHands-on testing and analysis, often in development or QA teams, focusing on performance testing and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in large tech companies like Microsoft, consulting firms, and enterprise IT departmentsUsed across software development, QA, and testing teams in various industries

The Principal Performance Architect Microsoft focuses on high-level system performance strategy and architecture, often in large enterprise environments, while Performance Engineers are more involved in hands-on testing and performance analysis during development. Both roles require strong technical skills but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is a principal performance architect?

A principal performance architect is a senior technical professional responsible for designing and optimizing system performance, often within large organizations like Microsoft. They analyze system bottlenecks, develop performance strategies, and work with development teams to ensure scalable and efficient software or infrastructure. Strong expertise in performance testing tools, system architecture, and performance metrics is essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by a Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft, and how can they be addressed?

A Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft often encounters complex challenges such as optimizing large-scale systems for speed and scalability, ensuring compatibility across diverse platforms, and balancing performance improvements with security and reliability. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams—including developers, product managers, and operations—are essential to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions. Staying current with the latest performance engineering tools and methodologies, as well as fostering a culture of continuous improvement, can help address these challenges and drive impactful results.

How much does a principal performance architect make at Microsoft?

A Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft typically earns between $130,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities. Compensation may also include bonuses, stock options, and other benefits common for senior technical roles.

What level is a principal architect at Microsoft?

A Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft is typically a senior-level role, often classified as a senior or lead position within the company's technical hierarchy. It involves high-level expertise, strategic planning, and leadership in performance optimization and architecture design. The role usually requires extensive experience and may be equivalent to senior or principal levels in other technical tracks.

What is a principal performance architect at Microsoft?

A principal performance architect at Microsoft is a senior technical role responsible for optimizing system and application performance across products and services. They analyze performance issues, develop strategies for improvement, and often work with development teams to implement best practices, utilizing tools like profiling and monitoring software. This role typically requires deep expertise in software architecture, performance tuning, and relevant certifications or experience in large-scale systems.

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

To thrive as a Principal Performance Architect at Microsoft, you need deep expertise in software architecture, system performance analysis, and a strong background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with performance profiling tools, cloud platforms like Azure, and advanced knowledge of programming languages such as C# or C++ are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, cross-team collaboration, and communication skills help you influence technical direction and drive improvements across large-scale systems. These skills are crucial for optimizing complex architectures, ensuring scalability, and delivering high-performing solutions that meet organizational goals.
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Infographic showing various Principal Performance Architect Microsoft job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,382 per year, or $82.4 per hour.
Practice Architect, Microsoft Security

Practice Architect, Microsoft Security

Softchoice

Dallas, TX

$64.25 - $83.25/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Why you'll love Softchoice:

We are a software-focused IT solutions and services provider that equips organizations to be agile and innovative, and for their people to be engaged, connected, and creative at work. That means moving them to the cloud, helping them build the workplace of tomorrow, and enabling them to make smarter decisions about their technology. By doing these things we help them create success for their customers and their people.
We stand proudly for our people and support their success through career development and advancement. We are recognized and respected for our culture of inclusion and belonging, continuously striving to do what's good for our people and communities. 
 

The Impact you will have:

The Senior Microsoft Security Architect is a senior technical leader within the Microsoft Practice, responsible for driving excellence in the design, delivery, and evolution of solutions leveraging Microsoft Security technologies. This role is pivotal in shaping methodologies, developing best practices, supporting offerings, and engaging with high-value customers to ensure transformative business outcomes. 

What you'll do:

Technical Leadership & Expertise 

  • Serve as a subject matter expert in Microsoft Security platform, including Purview, Entra, Sentinel, Defender and with a point of view around AI Security. 
  • Stay ahead of emerging trends, ensuring the practice adopts and evangelizes the latest Microsoft innovations. 
  • Lead the integration of security capabilities into solution delivery models, transforming customer workflows and outcomes. 
  • Support Microsoft Security solution architecture for complex strategic opportunities 
  • Conduct discovery, solutionshapingand architecture reviews 
  • Provide technical escalation support for presales 
  • Maintainand enhance expertiseon Microsoft Security services and best practices 

People Leadership & Team Development 

  • Lead and develop a team of Architects, setting technical direction, role clarity, and delivery standards across engagements. 
  • Coach, mentor, and enable architects through regular 1:1s, technical reviews, and skills development plans aligned to practice priorities. 
  • Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management for the architecture team, ensuring consistent quality and growth. 
  • Provide architectural governance across the team (patterns, reference architectures, quality gates), and act as an escalation point for complex technical decisions. 

Methodology & Best Practice Development 

  • Coordinate the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of methodologies and best practices for Microsoft Security solutions. 
  • Collaborate with architects, engineers, and product managers to ensure consistency and quality across all engagements. 
  • Train sales teams on solution value 
  • Champion internal enablement, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. 

Offerings Development & Enablement 

  • Support the creation and evolution of Microsoft Security offerings, working closely with product management and delivery teams. 
  • Design re-usable offers, blueprints,IaCpatterns and accelerators 
  • Contribute to practice strategy and capability roadmaps 
  • Build playbooks, reference architectures, prescriptive bestpractices, demos/solutions experiences and case studies 
  • Act as "Customer Zero" for new technologies, piloting and refining offerings before broad rollout. 
  • Provide presales support, solution architecture, and technical leadership for strategic opportunities. 

High-Value Customer Engagement 

  • Engage directly with key customers as a trusted advisor, guiding their Microsoft transformation journeys. 
  • Lead solution workshops, architecture reviews, and executive briefings for high-impact engagements. 
  • Ensure customer satisfaction and measurable business impact through delivery excellence. 

Collaboration & Advocacy 

  • Partner with Microsoft and other strategic partners to co-create solutions and drive joint success. 
  • Represent Softchoice/WWT at industry events, sharing thought leadership and promoting best practices. 
  • Advocate for continuous improvement and early adoption of emerging technologies. 

What you'll bring to the table:

  • Deep expertise in Microsoft Security solutions. 
  • Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing a team of architects in a consulting or delivery organization. 
  • Proven experience architecting and delivering complex Microsoft solutions for enterprise customers. 
  • Strong track record in methodology development, technical leadership, and innovation. 
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. 
  • Experience working with Microsoft and global partners. 
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. 
  • This role requires at least 8 years experience in a technical field (ideally with Microsoft technologies). 
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.

Travel Requirements 

  • There is an expectation of up to 25% travel in this role. 

Compensation:

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $120,80 -$151,000 annually + 14% Target Incentives.

Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, education, and related certification. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.

Softchoice offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit plan to all full-time employees, which includes:

  • Health and Wellbeing: Medical and Dental Care, Employee & Family Assistance Program
  • Financial Benefits: RRSP/DPSP Retirement Savings Plan with Company Matching, Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off: Vacation and Sick Leave, Holidays, Parental Leave, Volunteer Days, Bereavement Leave
  • Additional Perks: Employee Discount Program


Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway:

We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role.
At Softchoice, we offer opportunities to a diverse group including those with a variety of workplace experiences and backgrounds.  Whether you are new to corporate tech, returning to work after a gap in employment, or looking to transition and take the next step in your career, we are excited to learn more about you and encourage you to apply.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

  • The People: You'll thrive in our collaborative environment, surrounded by incredible colleagues who foster support and innovation, driving our collective success
  • High-Performing Culture: At Softchoice, we are dedicated to achieving our goals and committed to success for our customers and each other
  • Flexibility: Plan your workdays in a way that suits you best
  • Award-Winning Workplace: Proudly recognized as a Great Place to Work for 20 consecutive years
  • Inclusive Culture: We are committed to an inclusive culture where every team member can be their authentic self
  • Competitive Benefits: Benefit from competitive perks that start on day one

Inclusion & Equal opportunity employment:

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion & belonging. People seeking employment at Softchoice are considered without regard to any protected category including but not limited to, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Require accommodation? We are ready to help:

We are proud to provide interview & employment accommodation during the recruitment and hiring process. If you require any accommodation to apply or interview for a position, please reach out directly to asktalentacquisition@softchoice.com. We are committed to working with you to best meet your needs.

Our commitment to your experience:

We are committed to the safety of all applicants and team members. With that in mind, we have implemented digital interviewing for everyone. We understand that you may need to interview with distractions around you (such as children or furry friends) and we will be doing the same.

Before you start with us, we will conduct a criminal record check, verify your education, and check your references.

When you join Softchoice, we will onboard you remotely. Don't worry. It's quick, simple and you'll be connected with your new team in no time.

Job Requisition ID: 7380 
EoE/M/F/Vet/Disability 

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