Principal Software Engineer- Compute Graph Compiler (CGC) Team

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.

A successful candidate for this position will be one who:  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.

Required Qualifications:    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.   Other Requirements : 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.  Preferred Qualification :  Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years