Microsoft

Software Development Engineer II

Microsoft$102K — $202K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical field with 2+ years of coding experience (C, C++) or equivalent experience.
  • Master's preferred with 3+ years of coding experience, or Bachelor's with 5+ years.
  • 4+ years of experience with Windows Graphics driver software stack.
  • 2+ years of system level performance optimization experience in both Linux and Windows.
  • Familiarity with graphics tooling such as GPUView, Windows Performance Analyzer, and Vulkan APIs.

Responsibilities

  • Use performance tools to identify CPU & GPU hotspots and suggest improvements.
  • Analyze memory-related performance issues and recommend software enhancements.
  • Measure power management across the full stack and identify optimization opportunities.
  • Develop benchmarks for testing GPU and CPU performance.
  • Evaluate game performance on Windows and Linux and suggest enhancements.
  • Collaborate with teams to deliver software solutions independently.
  • Utilize AI tools in the software development lifecycle.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage
  • Retirement and savings plans
  • Generous paid time off
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Work-life balance initiatives
Full Job Description
Overview

The Core Platform Driver team is seeking a Software Development EngineerII passionate about working on a state-of-the-art gaming platform. Our team operates at the intersection of hardware and software, collaborating with hardware and software engineers to advance graphics and provide industry-leading game development technology. In Core OS, we are responsible for building and optimizing operating systems across Azure, Microsoft Linux OS, Windows Client, Xbox, and Windows Server platforms, supporting cloud services for billions of customers worldwide. In this era of ubiquitous computing, systems software excellence has never been more important. Delivering high-quality, efficient systems software is critical to Microsoft's success, ensuring reliability, reducing costs, and enabling innovative features that delight customers.

In this role, you will contribute to building and optimizing platform components, driving improvements in system performance, reliability, and efficiency. Hands-on experience with power management across Windows and Linux is essential. Expertise in graphics stacks, including engine runtime, drivers, microcode, and hardware, combined with experience in performance analysis and tooling, will help us in our mission to deliver next-generation gaming experiences.

Responsibilities
  • Use performance tools to triage graphics workloads, identify CPU & GPU hotspots, and recommend hardware and software improvements.
  • Analyze and triage memory-related performance issues involving utilization, paging, residency, allocation latency, and priorities; quantify impact and recommend software improvements.
  • Analyze power management across the full stack-including PMFW, OS power policies, core idle and park states, and heterogeneous core selection-using power tools to measure runtime behavior in games and identify optimization opportunities.
  • Develop benchmarks and tests that exercise key GPU and CPU performance areas, including memory, compiler behavior, power, API features, and related components.
  • Evaluate gaming performance across Windows and Linux stacks to identify opportunities for improving software and hardware components.
  • Work independently with internal and external teams to deliver solutions across related software components.
  • Uses appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) tools and practices across the software development lifecycle (SDLC) in a disciplined manner.
  • Supports efforts to use debugging, tests, tools, logs, telemetry, and other methods to proactively verify assumptions before issues occur for product features in production.
  • Contributes to bringing insight to code reviews to help improve code quality, coaching and providing feedback to develop other engineers' skills with minimal guidance.
  • Creates and implements code for a product, service, or feature, reusing code as applicable with minimal supervision.
  • Writes and learns to create code that is extensible and maintainable. Considers diagnosability, reliability, and maintainability with few defects, and understands when the code is ready to be shared and delivered.
  • With minimal supervision, tests and explores various design options for a product/solution feature, outlining strengths and weaknesses of each option.
  • Collaborates with architects with minimal supervision to build and modify a product/solution feature, providing feedback as needed
  • Creates a clear test strategy that ensures solution quality, prevents regression from being introduced into existing code with minimal supervision.
  • Runs code in simulated, or other non-production environments to confirm functionality and error-free runtime for products with little to no oversight.
  • Builds knowledge, shares new ideas, and shares pinpoints of engineering tool gaps to improve software developer tools to support easier, faster, and more effective software engineering for complex product features.
  • Contributes to efforts to ensure the correct processes are followed to achieve a high degree of security, privacy, safety, and accessibility.
  • Reviews work items to deepen knowledge of product features in partnership with appropriate stakeholders (e.g., technical program managers) and executes project plans, release plans, and work items.


Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 2+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++.
    • OR equivalent experience.

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 3+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++.
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 5+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++.
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • 4+ years Windows Graphics driver software stack experience.
  • 2+ years of system level performance optimization experience in both Linux and Windows.
  • Technical experience in graphics tooling such as GPUView, Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA), Radeon GPU Profiler (RGP), AMD uProf, PIX, and related or equivalent tooling.
  • Technical experience in DirectX11-12 graphics APIs and Vulkan
  • Technical experience in compiler technologies such as HLSL, LLVM, and machine ISA.


#W+DJOBS

Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100.00 - $202,200.00 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 $133,800.00 - $219,200.00 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.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. Microsoft’s devices and consumer (D&C) licensing segment licenses the Windows operating system and related software, Microsoft Office for consumers, and the Windows Phone operating system. The company’s computing and gaming hardware segment provides Xbox gaming and entertainment consoles and accessories, second-party and third-party video games, and Xbox Live subscriptions; surface devices and accessories; and Microsoft PC accessories. Its phone hardware segment offers Lumia smartphones and other non-Lumia phones. Its D&C segment provides Windows Store, Xbox Live transactions, and Windows phone store; search advertising; display advertising; Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal; first-party video games; and other consumer products and services as well as operating retail stores. Microsoft’s commercial licensing segments license server products, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs); Windows Embedded; Windows operating system; Microsoft Office for business, including Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and related CALs; Microsoft Dynamics business solutions; and Skype. Its commercial segment offers enterprise services, including premier support services and Microsoft consulting services; commercial cloud comprising Office 365 Commercial, other Microsoft Office online offerings, Dynamics CRM Online, and Microsoft Azure; and other commercial products and online services. The company markets and distributes its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers, as well as online.

Microsoft Careers

Join Microsoft today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity in its workforce. As a global leader in technology and digital transformation, Microsoft offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Explore Career Opportunities at Microsoft

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate eager to start your career, Microsoft has a position that suits your skills and ambitions. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where every team member is supported in expanding their horizons.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Microsoft internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment. You'll work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in technology.

Employment Benefits

Choosing a career at Microsoft means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to empower them both professionally and personally. These include comprehensive health benefits, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement through professional development and diversity training.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

At Microsoft, we believe that innovation comes from diversity of thought and inclusion. We are committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired. Our leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives lead to breakthrough innovations and a competitive edge.

Grow with Us

Career growth at Microsoft is about more than climbing the corporate ladder; it's about continuous learning, expanding your skills, and improving your capabilities. With access to various leadership and training programs, you can evolve as a professional and make a significant impact within the company and on the global stage.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify true potential. Starting with a review of your resume, followed by interviews that assess your problem-solving abilities and cultural fit, we ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to demonstrate their strengths and potential to contribute to our team.

Networking and Professional Development

Microsoft is a place where you can build a professional network that spans the globe. Our employees benefit from connections with top-tier professionals and industry leaders, which opens doors to innovative projects and collaborative opportunities that are second to none.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and make a difference in the world of technology, explore the job opportunities at Microsoft. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare to embark on a rewarding career path filled with innovation and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Microsoft Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Get tailored content that aligns with your career preferences and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Microsoft.

SEARCH MICROSOFT JOBS

At Microsoft, your future is limitless. Join us in our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Your journey with Microsoft starts here.
Learn more about Microsoft
Size
181,000 employees
Market Cap
$1,762.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Microsoft

  • Microsoft
    Senior Data Scientist
    $119K — $234K *
    Houston, TX 77084 (Harris County)
    Information Technology
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Senior Data Scientist
    $119K — $234K *
    New York, NY 10025 (New York County)
    Information Technology
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Senior Data Scientist
    $119K — $234K *
    Austin, TX 78745 (Travis County)
    Information Technology
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Senior Data Scientist
    $119K — $234K *
    Cambridge, MA 02139 (Middlesex County)
    Information Technology
    In-Person
  • Microsoft
    Senior Data Scientist
    $119K — $234K *
    Chicago, IL 60629 (Cook County)
    Information Technology
    In-Person

More Consumer Technology Jobs

Find similar Software Development Engineer II jobs: