Principal Software Engineer - C++

Microsoft
$139,900.00 - $274,800.00 / yr
United States, Washington, Redmond
Feb 19, 2026
Overview The Windows App for the web is a full Windows client implemented inside a browser runtime. It powers Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 by translating operating system expectations-graphics, input, media, identity, security and device access-into something that can execute reliably inside modern web platforms, bringing a "like-local" Windows experience to millions of enterprise users. We're seeking a Principal Software Engineer to operate in the foundational layers of our web client, where architectural decisions directly affect performance, reliability, security posture, and long-term evolution. This role serves as a technical anchor for the client, with hands-on work spanning rendering and graphics pipelines, protocol stacks, WebAssembly-based components, media and device redirection, authentication, telemetry, and the isolation boundaries that allow a browser to behave like a high-fidelity Windows endpoint. At this level, impact comes from working on the hardest parts of the stack while providing technical clarity through design choices and trade-offs, shaping how the system is built, integrated, and evolves as browser capabilities, cloud infrastructure, and Windows workloads continue to converge. We're a collaborative, high-energy group that values curiosity, craftsmanship, and a growth mindset. What is Windows App: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-app/overview Video: https://youtu.be/j0XU59VbKOc Why this problem space matters This work defines how Windows runs when the browser is the platform. The solutions ship at global scale and are constrained by real-world networks, devices, and security models. For engineers who enjoy working close to the limits of what the web runtime allows-and extending it responsibly-this is a rare problem space. What you'll work on You'll operate primarily in the foundational layers of the client, where performance, correctness, and constraints are explicit: Rendering and interaction pipelines High-performance remote graphics using Canvas, WebGL/WebGPU, and WebAssembly Input fidelity across keyboard, mouse, touch, pen, and specialized devices Latency control, frame pacing, bandwidth adaptation, and GPU utilization Client protocol and transport architecture Design and evolution of remoting protocols optimized for web runtimes Reliability, congestion control, and session resilience across heterogeneous networks Tight coordination between browser client, gateways, and cloud services WebAssembly and native code integration Performance-critical C/C++ components compiled to WASM Memory models, threading, SIMD, and sandbox constraints Deep integration with Chromium APIs and browser execution models Media and device redirection Audio/video pipelines supporting Teams optimization and real-time collaboration Multimedia redirection with strict latency and synchronization requirements Device and peripheral redirection (e.g., smart cards, cameras, microphones) mapped into web-safe abstractions Identity, security, and isolation Smart card redirection, WebAuthn/FIDO flows, and authentication pass-through Clear trust boundaries between local device, browser, and remote session Secure-by-design client architectures that preserve performance and usability 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. Responsibilities At this level, the role is about technical ownership and direction. You will: Define and drive end-to-end designs spanning browser, protocol, and cloud Make architectural calls under real constraints imposed by browsers and security models Identify performance ceilings and systematically remove them Partner across Windows, Chromium, Teams, and Azure to align deep technical decisions Raise the technical bar through design reviews, mentorship, and examples. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field AND 6+ years of technical engineering experience including web technologies and browser APIs and full-stack product engineering with coding in languages like C, C++, JavaScript 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 Qualifications: Hands-on experience with remote desktop protocols (RDP), graphics PDUs, or virtual channels. Exposure to live site engineering practices, telemetry pipelines, and monitoring systems. Ability to work across the stack and contribute to both frontend (React, TypeScript) and backend (C++, services) components. Strong problem-solving skills and a growth mindset with a willingness to learn and mentor others. Experience working in agile teams with short, iterative release cycles and a DevOps culture. #W+DJOBS #WCXClients Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year. 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 This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.