Microsoft
Principal Account Aligned FDE - Software Engineer

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Overview
In the Microsoft Industry Solutions Engineering (ISE) team, you won’t just build software; you’ll deliver real outcomes for some of the world’s most complex organizations.
We are a global team of world-class engineers who have been working in a Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) model for more than a decade, embedding directly within customer teams to solve their toughest challenges, side-by-side, and shipping production-ready solutions in days, not months.
As a Principal Account-Aligned FDE, you will be a customer embedded engineer to serve as the primary technical leader aligned to a strategic account, driving business outcomes through hands on execution and multidisciplinary expertise. In this role, you will build and ship production grade solutions, work directly with customers to translate business needs into clear technical approaches, and operate with speed in complex, fast moving environments. This is a senior individual contributor role requiring strong technical depth, credibility with senior stakeholders, industry context, and an entrepreneurial approach to navigating ambiguity and delivering sustained impact over time.
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
- Drive customer outcomes by shaping opportunities and translating business needs into clear, actionable technical approaches
- Build and deliver production-grade solutions in customer environments, demonstrating strong engineering execution and end-to-end ownership
- Accelerate time to value by operating effectively in ambiguity and delivering iterative, high-impact solutions
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders to build trust, align priorities, and guide technical and business decision-making
- Apply industry and customer context to tailor solutions and move beyond generic approaches
- Prepare and transition work to FDE crews with clear scope and strong technical direction, maintaining continuity across the engagement lifecycle
- Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset to navigate complex account dynamics, set boundaries, and drive urgency and accountability.
- Embody our culture and values.
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications (RQs/MQs)
- 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 partnering directly with customers or internal stakeholders to deliver solutions end-to-end.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Additional or Preferred Qualifications (PQs)
- 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 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 equivalent experience.
- Hands-on AI solution delivery experience, including building and deploying LLM-based systems, ensuring model quality and performance, and partnering with stakeholders to deliver end-to-end solutions using modern cloud AI platforms
- Enjoy travel and are comfortable with travel up to 25%
Our team prides itself on embracing a growth mindset, inspiring excellence, and encouraging everyone to share their unique viewpoints and be their authentic selves. Join us and help create life-changing innovations that impact billions around the world!
At Microsoft, we are seeking people who have a passion for the positive impact technology can have on communities and for making a difference in the world. In our team, you will find a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, personal and cultural experiences which are vital to our success with our customers. It’s an informal and flexible work environment and you’ll be welcome to work in the way that best enables you to get your job done.
We invest in your health, wellness, and financial future by offering a competitive package including a wide range of benefits built around your personal needs and those close to you.
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. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 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.
Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
#ISEngineering
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Pay Information
Software Engineering IC5 - United Kingdom
The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £ 93,500.00 - £ 161,800.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/united-kingdom-corporate-pay.html


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Software Engineering IC4 - United Kingdom
The typical base pay range for this role across United Kingdom is £ 74,700.00 - £ 122,600.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/united-kingdom-corporate-pay.html
Software Engineering IC5 - Netherlands
The typical base pay range for this role across Netherlands is € 99,800.00 - € 166,900.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/netherlands-corporate-pay.html
Software Engineering IC4 - Netherlands
The typical base pay range for this role across Netherlands is € 78,800.00 - € 133,300.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/netherlands-corporate-pay.html
Software Engineering IC5 - Switzerland
The typical base pay range for this role across Switzerland is CHF 183,800.00 - CHF 309,700.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/switzerland-corporate-pay.html
Software Engineering IC4 - Switzerland
The typical base pay range for this role across Switzerland is CHF 146,200.00 - CHF 245,900.00 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation.
Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/corporate-pay/switzerland-corporate-pay.html
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
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