Principal Engineer - AI Platform Development (Azure PostgreSQL)

Overview

Microsoft is a company where passionate innovators come to collaborate, envision what can be and take their careers further. This is a world of more possibilities, more innovation, more openness, and the sky is the limit thinking in a cloud-enabled world.

Microsoft’s Azure Data engineering team is leading the transformation of analytics in the world of data with products like databases, data integration, big data analytics, messaging & real-time analytics, and business intelligence. The products our portfolio include Microsoft Fabric, Azure SQL DB, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure PostgreSQL, Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure Service Bus, Azure Event Grid, and Power BI. Our mission is to build the data platform for the age of AI, powering a new class of data-first applications and driving a data culture.

Within Azure Data, the databases team builds and maintains Microsoft's operational Database systems. We store and manage data in a structured way to enable multitude of applications across various industries. We are on a journey to enable developer friendly, mission-critical, AI enabled operational Databases across relational, non-relational and OSS offerings.

Are you passionate about building platforms that combine deep systems innovation and world-class developer experiences to power the next generation of AI-driven applications? Do you thrive at the intersection of database engineering, developer workflows, and scalable cloud platforms? If so, join us on a mission to transform Azure PostgreSQL into the premier platform for intelligent application development.

The Azure PostgreSQL Database Services team is building a world-class, AI-enhanced PostgreSQL platform enabling developers to create, deploy, and scale modern applications with agility, intelligence, and confidence. We are seeking a Principal Engineer to lead foundational work across the PostgreSQL engine, AI Store capabilities, APIs, developer tooling, and platform integrations. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape systems and experiences that developers worldwide will depend on to build the future.

About the Team

We are a fast-growing, highly collaborative team committed to advancing the future of intelligent database systems and empowering developers. Our work spans deep innovation in the PostgreSQL engine, AI-optimized indexing and search, scalable APIs, developer experiences, and cloud platform integrations. We believe that innovation happens at the intersection of systems craftsmanship, developer empathy, and bold experimentation. We foster an inclusive, high-performing culture where diverse perspectives, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence drive extraordinary outcomes.

We do not just value differences or different perspectives. We seek them out and invite them in so we can tap into the collective power of everyone in the company. As a result, our customers are better served.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of AI Store capabilities in Azure PostgreSQL, including vector search, semantic indexing, and AI-optimized database features to power the next generation of intelligent applications.
Architect intuitive, scalable APIs, SDKs, and extensibility layers that bring advanced database and AI capabilities into the hands of developers.
Create seamless developer experiences by integrating PostgreSQL services with modern development tools, frameworks, and cloud platforms accelerating application development on Azure PostgreSQL.
Partner closely with database engine engineers, product managers, and developer advocates to translate developer needs into deep system and platform innovations.
Design and deliver high-quality interfaces, SDKs, samples, and documentation that make building AI-powered applications on PostgreSQL accessible, powerful, and joyful.
Engage with open-source communities, technology partners, and developer ecosystems to amplify impact, gather feedback, and inform platform evolution.
Champion a developer-first mindset while advancing technical excellence, scalability, and innovation across the stack from database internals to developer workflows.

Embody our culture and values

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND extensive technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
OR equivalent experience.

Job Requirements: Other & Additional

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/Additional Qualifications

Proven experience designing and delivering scalable, production-grade services, APIs, or developer platforms.
Strong technical fundamentals in distributed systems, concurrency, cloud-native architecture, or database internals.
Extensive years of backend or platform engineering experience building cloud-scale services or developer ecosystems.
Passion for building outstanding developer experiences and empathy for developer workflows.
Experience with database systems (PostgreSQL or others), indexing, or AI/ML-driven data access patterns.
Familiarity with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and open-source communities.
Demonstrated technical leadership, mentorship, and a collaborative, cross-functional mindset.
Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and building an inclusive, high-performing engineering culture.

#azdat

#azuredata

#postgres #databases

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.