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Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft

Microsoft

Software Engineering
Vancouver, BC, Canada
CAD 142,400-257,500 / year
Posted on Jan 24, 2026
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Overview
Within the Developer Division, the Languages, Runtimes, and Compilers Group at Microsoft is responsible for best-in-class support for C++, Java, .NET (C#, Visual Basic, and F#), Python, Rust, and Go. Developer Division in CoreAI believes that software development is rapidly evolving in the age of Artificial Intelligence. We are building the future of platforms and tools for this new era—and we are looking for developers who are not only early adopters of AI-powered development tools, but who are also actively exploring how Large Language Models (LLMs) can enhance their effectiveness and impact. Be a part of a team that values collaboration and the idea of working better together. Come and help us define the language, optimize the compiler and runtime, and build tools that empower developers worldwide to build great software.
If you are ready to take on your next big challenge, join us to help redefine the future of developer tools. We are building the next generation of Python development experiences, combining state-of-the-art language services with AI-powered assistance.
Our team owns pylance, the leading Python language server, and debugpy, the Python debugger behind Visual Studio Code. We are now pushing further into the age of AI: integrating with GitHub Copilot, improving agent chat context with real-time diagnostic and linting insights, developing Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools, and reimagining debugging and software development in a world where AI and humans collaborate closely.
We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead and contribute at the forefront of this transformation. This is a high-impact role where you will work on cutting-edge problems in language tooling, debugging, static analysis, and AI-assisted development — and shape the experience of millions of Python developers worldwide.
You will engage deeply with the Python community, the AI developer tools ecosystem, and internal partners across DevDiv, Office, Azure, and GitHub. You will contribute code, influence vision and strategy, and mentor engineers to deliver world-class tools that make developers more productive and creative than ever before.


Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and implementation of core features in Pylance, debugpy, and related tools.
  • Collaborate with AI teams to enhance Copilot chat and agent experiences with rich language and debugging context.
  • Invent and prototype new paradigms for debugging and diagnostics in the AI era.
  • Define and deliver Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations for Python and multi-language workflows.
  • Drive deep customer engagement through GitHub, feedback channels, and direct interactions to gather insights and represent the Python developer's voice.
  • Mentor engineers and help shape the vision for the Python tools team and its role in the broader Microsoft Artificial Intelligence & developer ecosystem.


Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

  • 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.
  • Experience designing and implementing language tooling (e.g., compilers, static analysis, language servers, debuggers, etc.).
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:
  • Master'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 Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in Python and one or more of: TypeScript, JavaScript, Rust.
  • Experience working on developer tools, IDE extensions (Visual Studio or VS Code), or similar ecosystems.
  • 1+ years of experience applying AI technologies (such as large language models or code generation tools) in software development workflows, including tasks like static analysis, automated documentation, or test generation
  • Demonstrated engagement with open-source communities and customers via GitHub or other forums.
  • 6+ months of experience applying AI technologies (such as large language models or code generation tools) in software development workflows, including tasks like static analysis, automated documentation, or test generation.
#CoreAI
#DevDiv
#DDJL


Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across Canada is CAD $142,400 - CAD $257,500 per year.

Find additional pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/canada-pay-information.html



Software Engineering IC5 - L'échelle salariale de base typique pour ce rôle dans l'ensemble du Canada est de 142,400 $ CAD à 257,500 $ CAD par année.

Pour plus d'information au sujet de la rémunération, veuillez cliquer ici:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/canada-pay-information.html



Ce poste sera ouvert pendant au moins cinq jours et les candidatures seront acceptées de façon continue jusqu’à ce que le poste soit pourvu.


This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.



Microsoft est un employeur offrant l’égalité d’accès à l’emploi. Tous les candidats qualifiés seront pris en considération pour l’emploi, sans égard à l’âge, à l’ascendance, à la citoyenneté, à la couleur, aux congés médicaux ou familiaux, à l’identité ou à l’expression de genre, aux renseignements génétiques, à l’état d’immigration, à l’état matrimonial, à l’état de santé, à l’origine nationale, à un éventuel handicap physique ou mental, à l’affiliation politique, au statut de vétéran protégé ou au statut militaire, à la race, à l’ethnie, à la religion, au sexe (y compris la grossesse), à l’orientation sexuelle ou à toute autre caractéristique protégée par les lois, ordonnances et règlements locaux applicables. Si vous avez besoin d’aide avec des accommodements religieux et/ou d’un accommodement raisonnable en raison d’un handicap pendant le processus de candidature, apprenez-en plus sur la demande d’accommodement.


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.

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