Principal Forward Deployed Engineer- Data Scientist - German Speaking

Microsoft seeks a Principal Forward Deployed Engineer (Data Scientist) in Zürich to lead technical initiatives for strategic accounts. The role requires fluent German and deep expertise in data science to deliver production-ready solutions.

This senior individual contributor position embeds engineers directly within customer teams to address complex challenges and deploy production-ready solutions rapidly. The role demands strong technical depth, credibility with senior stakeholders, and an entrepreneurial approach to drive customer outcomes and accelerate time to value.

Responsibilities

• Translate business needs into actionable technical strategies to drive customer success.
• Design and implement production-grade solutions with full end-to-end ownership.
• Navigate ambiguity to deliver iterative, high-impact results quickly.
• Influence senior stakeholders to align priorities and guide decision-making.
• Leverage industry context to tailor solutions rather than applying generic approaches.
• Prepare work for transition to FDE teams with clear scope and technical direction.
• Manage complex account dynamics with an entrepreneurial mindset to ensure accountability.

Requirements

• Doctorate in a relevant field (e.g., Data Science, Math, CS) plus 5+ years of data science experience, OR
• Master's degree in a relevant field plus 7+ years of data science experience, OR
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus 10+ years of data science experience, OR
• Equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of customer-facing, project delivery, professional services, or consulting experience.
• Proven track record of partnering with customers or internal stakeholders to deliver solutions.
• Fluent proficiency in German.

What the company offers

• Competitive base pay aligned with Data Science IC4 or IC5 levels.
• Eligibility for comprehensive benefits and additional compensation packages.

About the company

Microsoft is driven by a mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. The company fosters a culture of inclusion built on respect, integrity, and accountability, encouraging employees to collaborate with a growth mindset to innovate and realize shared goals.

• Mission to empower global achievement.
• Growth mindset and collaborative innovation.
• Values of respect, integrity, and accountability.