Principal Security Engineer

Security is one of the most critical priorities for our customers in a world awash in digital threats, regulatory scrutiny, and estate complexity. Microsoft Security aspires to make the world a safer place for all by reshaping security and empowering every user, customer, and developer with end-to-end, simplified solutions.

The Microsoft Specialized Cloud (MSC) organization accelerates Microsoft's mission to secure digital technology platforms, devices, and clouds in heterogeneous environments-while ensuring the security of our own internal estate. Our culture embraces a growth mindset, inspires excellence, and encourages teams to bring their best every day.

We are seeking a Principal Security Architect to lead the design and implementation of advanced security solutions across Azure, Windows, Specialized Clouds, and Adaptive Cloud products. This role combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, driving architectural decisions that leverage AI and automation to scale security across Microsoft's platforms and services.

Opportunity

This is a leadership role for someone passionate about shaping the future of security in a multi-cloud, AI-powered world. You will:

• Define and drive security architecture for Microsoft's OS codebase and cloud services.
• Influence platform-wide security posture and ensure alignment with compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Apply AI-driven approaches to vulnerability discovery, threat modeling, and automated defense.
• Partner with engineering, product, and research teams to deliver secure-by-design solutions at global scale.
• Shape the future of secure architecture for Microsoft's most strategic platforms.
• Work on high-impact projects spanning Azure, Windows, and Adaptive Cloud.
• Collaborate with world-class engineers and researchers in an inclusive, growth-oriented culture.
• Influence industry standards and protect billions of users worldwide.

• Architect end-to-end security solutions across identity, cloud, and endpoint ecosystems, ensuring resilience against advanced threats.
• Lead threat modeling and risk assessments for new features and services, embedding security into design and development lifecycles.
• Define security standards and patterns for multi-cloud environments and adaptive workloads.
• Drive AI-enabled security strategies, integrating machine learning for anomaly detection, posture management, and runtime protection.
• Collaborate with senior engineering leaders to prioritize security investments and influence product roadmaps.
• Mentor security engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion.
• Represent Microsoft at industry forums, conferences, and standards bodies to advance security best practices.

Required:

Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 5+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 6+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection OR Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 8+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection OR equivalent experience.

• 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.

Security Research IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $163,000 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 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.