Microsoft

Software Engineer II - Data Platform & Database Systems

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field AND 2+ years of coding experience in languages like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python; OR equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of proven coding and debugging skills in object-oriented languages.
  • Practical experience with Kubernetes and open-source data platforms.
  • Scripting experience in Python and SQL.
  • Experience with cloud platforms, particularly Azure.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
  • Experience with CI/CD practices and data engineering processes.

Responsibilities

  • Build and operate multi-petabyte databases using systems like StarRocks, ClickHouse, and Trino.
  • Dive into database internals, focusing on query execution and optimization.
  • Work across different languages and services, balancing Python, Java, Go, and C++.
  • Engineer the lakehouse architecture leveraging cloud infrastructure and open table formats.
  • Utilize AI-assisted tools for development and operations in real production systems.
  • Shape the architecture and make build-vs-adopt decisions, collaborating with data teams for impactful solutions.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Collaboration with a cross-functional team of experts.
  • Access to cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies.
  • Chance to influence the experience of millions of Windows users.
Full Job Description
Overview

This is a code-intensive role. As a Software Engineer II, you'll work across cloud services, data platform engineering, database systems, and supporting data engineering, with room to go deep into the internals of distributed data and database engines: query execution, storage formats, and performance.

We're an AI-native team. Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted development and agentic tooling are part of the daily craft here - not just to produce code but to build tools and observe cloud-based systems at scale.

This role is also at the intersection between Windows and data, potentially helping hundreds of millions of Windows users have a better experience.

Responsibilities

Day to Day Responsibilities
  • Build at a scale that changes the problem. Deploy, extend and operate multi-petabyte MPP - StarRocks, ClickHouse, Trino/Presto, Spark, Druid, Kusto.
  • Go deep into database internals. Work on query execution, vectorized processing, cost-based optimization, and columnar storage formats such as Parquet and Arrow, and understand these engines from the inside out.
  • Work across the stack and across languages. Move between services in Python, Java, and Go and performance-critical native code in C++ - deep expertise in any single language isn't expected, just a readiness to follow the problem wherever it leads.
  • Engineer the lakehouse on cloud infrastructure working with open table formats (Delta Lake, Iceberg, Hudi, Paimon) and build on cloud services and container orchestration with Kubernetes.
  • Practice AI-native engineering. Use AI-assisted development and agentic tooling as part of the daily workflow, build AI directly in decision-making systems and operations, and help define how the team uses it on real production systems.
  • Own components and partner for impact. Shape architecture, make build-vs-adopt decisions, and own components end to end while partnering with data scientists and product managers on data that shapes decisions for hundreds of millions of Windows users.


Qualifications

Required 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++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years of proven coding and debugging skills in object-oriented languages. C#, C++, Java, or equivalent.
  • Practical experience with Kubernetes, StarRocks, Clickhouse, Kafka, Flink, Trino, real-time/NRT systems, open-source data platforms.
  • Scripting language experience Python and SQL.
  • Experience with cloud platforms and services, such as Azure, etc.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with teammates and work successfully in a group environment.
  • Data science, experimentation, or model-building adjacent experience.
  • Experience in designing, developing, and shipping code with secure continuous integration and continuous delivery practices (CI/CD).
  • Experience with data streaming, data modeling, data warehousing, and ETL (extract/transform/load).

#W+DJOBS

Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 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 - $219,200 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.

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

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Software Engineer II - Data Platform & Database Systems jobs: