Microsoft

Software 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 a related field and 2+ years of coding experience in languages such as C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
  • Experience in designing, implementing, testing, or debugging production software.
  • Proficient with tools for analyzing logs, telemetry, or diagnostics.
  • Familiarity with C++, Windows systems, virtualization technologies, or hardware-adjacent software.
  • Knowledge of inter-process communication technologies like gRPC or COM.

Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, test, and maintain reliable software for XBOX Cloud Gaming systems.
  • Collaborate with engineering and product teams to deliver scalable solutions.
  • Write high-quality code and participate in code reviews adhering to best practices.
  • Debug complex issues using telemetry and diagnostic tools across multiple boundaries.
  • Build observability into services and conduct root-cause investigations.
  • Develop automated tests and use safe deployment practices for changes.
  • Participate in live-site operations to mitigate incidents and improve readiness.
  • Identify opportunities to automate engineering workflows and enhance efficiency.

Benefits

  • Access to AI-assisted engineering tools for development efficiency.
  • Opportunities for career growth and skill development in modern engineering practices.
  • Inclusive work environment aligned with Microsoft's culture and values.
  • Participation in exciting projects within the gaming industry.
Full Job Description
Overview

We are looking for a Software Engineer II in Redmond, WA to design, build, and improve the server platform behind XBOX Cloud Gaming. In this role, you will contribute to reliable, secure, and high-performance systems that serve players around the world. You will work with engineers and product partners across XBOX to deliver features from design through production, diagnose complex issues across hardware and software boundaries, and continuously improve the quality and efficiency of our services.

You will also help evolve how we build and operate software in the AI era. You will use AI-assisted development tools and agentic workflows responsibly, automate repetitive engineering and operational tasks, and apply telemetry and data-driven insights to improve reliability, performance, and developer velocity. This is an opportunity to deepen your skills in distributed systems, Windows and C++ engineering, virtualization, inter-process communication technologies such as gRPC Remote Procedure Call (gRPC) and Component Object Model (COM), networking, observability, and live-site operations while contributing to the next generation of cloud gaming.

Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, test, and maintain extensible, diagnosable, and reliable software for XBOX Cloud Gaming server systems and services.
  • Contribute to technical designs, identify dependencies, and collaborate with engineering and product partners to deliver secure, scalable solutions that meet player and business needs.
  • Write high-quality code, participate in code reviews, and apply engineering best practices for maintainability, performance, security, and compliance.
  • Debug complex issues across applications, operating systems, virtualization layers, inter-process and remote procedure call boundaries, networks, cloud services, and hardware by using logs, telemetry, traces, and diagnostic tools.
  • Build observability into features and services, analyze production data, conduct root-cause investigations, and apply incident learnings to improve reliability and player experience.
  • Develop automated unit, integration, and scenario tests, and use safe deployment practices to validate and release changes with confidence.
  • Participate in live-site operations and an on-call rotation for the services the team owns, helping mitigate incidents and improve operational readiness.
  • Use AI-assisted engineering tools and agentic workflows responsibly to accelerate development, testing, diagnostics, and documentation while maintaining human review, security, privacy, and quality standards.
  • Identify opportunities to automate repetitive engineering and operational work, improve developer workflows, and increase service efficiency.
  • Embody Microsoft's culture and values and contribute to an inclusive environment where people can do their best work.


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

  • Experience designing, implementing, testing, or debugging production software.
  • Experience using logs, telemetry, or diagnostic tools to investigate software or service issues.
  • Experience developing in C++ and working with Windows systems, operating-system components, virtualization technologies, or hardware-adjacent software.
  • Experience with inter-process communication or remote procedure call technologies such as gRPC, COM, or similar frameworks.
  • Experience building or operating distributed cloud services with attention to scalability, availability, performance, and security.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals and real-time, media, or game-streaming systems.
  • Experience with observability, including logging, metrics, tracing, monitoring, alerting, or reliability measurement.
  • Experience with automated testing, continuous integration and continuous delivery, infrastructure or configuration automation, and safe deployment practices.
  • Experience participating in live-site support, incident response, root-cause analysis, or service reliability improvements.
  • Experience using AI-assisted development tools, coding assistants, or agentic workflows responsibly to improve engineering effectiveness.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
  • Passion for gaming, customer-focused engineering, and learning new technologies.


#XBOXJOBS

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 Consumer Technology Jobs

Find similar Software Engineer II jobs: