Microsoft

Software Engineer

Microsoft$85K — $168K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent experience.
  • 1+ year of technical engineering experience in professional roles, internships, or academic projects.
  • Experience with automated tests, developer tools, or continuous integration workflows.
  • Familiarity with operating system fundamentals and device/configuration management.
  • Experience coding in languages such as C, C++, C#, or Python, focusing on readability and reliability.
  • Knowledge of logs and telemetry for data analysis and debugging processes.
  • Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain components for Windows validation under guidance.
  • Build and enhance automated testing scenarios and utilities for lab environments.
  • Investigate and reproduce test failures using debugging tools and logs.
  • Write secure, maintainable code and participate in design reviews.
  • Integrate telemetry and error handling in automation for better observability.
  • Fix defects and enhance test reliability in live lab settings.
  • Utilize AI tools responsibly for development and documentation while ensuring data privacy.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with experienced engineers.
  • Access to cutting-edge AI tools to assist in engineering tasks.
  • Opportunities for professional growth in Windows validation capabilities.
  • Hands-on experience with real Windows hardware and software.
  • Encouragement of a growth mindset and learning from various operational results.
Full Job Description
Overview

Join the Windows Ecosystem & Commercial Engagement (WECE) Quality, Reliability, and Telemetry (QRT) team and help reinvent how Windows is tested, validated, and proven across the broader hardware ecosystem. Our charter is to ensure Windows builds and updates land safely, predictably, and at scale across a growing set of third-party OEM, silicon, firmware, driver, and software configurations.

We are looking for a Software Engineer to build automation and validation tools for the Readiness Assessment Lab. You will contribute to a packaged test suite that Microsoft labs and third-party partners use to validate Windows on their hardware with consistent scenarios and comparable results.

Working with experienced engineers, you will implement and maintain deterministic tests, harness components, lab utilities, result processing, and deployment workflows. You will learn Windows debugging, system behavior, drivers, power, performance, reliability, and device configuration while using logs and telemetry to investigate test failures.

You will also apply generative AI and agent-based tools responsibly to accelerate coding, test authoring, log analysis, documentation, and personal productivity. AI assists the work; reproducible tests, reviewed code, and accountable engineering judgment remain the quality bar. You will contribute to end-to-end Windows validation across the third-party ecosystem, including:
  • Packaged test collateral that runs in CER Lab, shared stations, and approved partner environments.
  • Automation components such as test cases, harness extensions, station utilities, device setup, and result collection.
  • Diagnostics that capture the logs, traces, configuration, and reproduction details needed to investigate failures.
  • Telemetry and reporting integrations that make results consistent and useful to engineers and program stakeholders.
  • AI-assisted workflows that reduce repetitive effort while preserving deterministic test execution.
  • This role is a hands-on opportunity to grow as an engineer while building validation capabilities used on real Windows devices.
  • We optimize for early signal, clear ownership, and fast learning.
  • We build tools and tests that reduce friction for lab operators and partners.
  • We expect engineers to ask questions, incorporate feedback, and own well-defined work through completion.
  • We are AI-forward and use acceleration tools with appropriate review and validation.
  • We value pragmatic engineering: understandable, testable, and reliable.

Responsibilities
  • Implement, test, document, and maintain well-defined components of packaged Windows validation collateral under the guidance of experienced engineers.
  • Build and improve automated scenarios, harness adapters, runners, setup utilities, and result collectors for lab stations.
  • Reproduce and investigate test failures using logs, traces, crash data, configuration information, and Windows debugging tools.
  • Write clear, maintainable, secure code in languages such as C, C++, C#, or Python and participate constructively in design and code reviews.
  • Add useful telemetry, logging, and error handling so automated runs are observable and failures are actionable.
  • Fix defects, improve test reliability, and support automation in live lab environments with help from the team when needed.
  • Use approved AI-assisted engineering tools for coding, test authoring, analysis, and documentation while validating outputs and protecting confidential data.
  • Collaborate with software engineers, data engineers, data scientists, lab operators, program managers, and partner teams to complete assigned work.
  • Learn from operational results and customer scenarios, incorporate feedback, and steadily expand technical depth and ownership.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, or related technical discipline with proven experience coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
    • OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 1+ year of technical engineering experience through professional work, internships, academic projects, open-source contribution, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience implementing or maintaining automated tests, developer tools, scripts, build workflows, or continuous integration pipelines.
  • Familiarity with operating system fundamentals, Windows diagnostics, device configuration, drivers, deployment, or hardware/software integration.
  • Experience coding in one or more of C, C++, C#, Python, PowerShell, or a comparable language, with attention to readability and testing.
  • Familiarity with logs, telemetry, test results, basic data analysis, and structured debugging.
  • Use of generative AI tools to support software development, testing, analysis, or documentation, with a willingness to verify outputs.
  • Clear verbal and written communication, curiosity, a growth mindset, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse team.
  • Demonstrated focus on customer needs, quality, reliability, and completing commitments.
  • Automation (Driving Solution Improvement & Excellence) - Implements reliable automated scenarios that help move the Readiness Assessment Lab from approximately 30% to 70% automated coverage.
  • Testing Process (Driving Solution Improvement & Excellence) - Creates and maintains tests, investigates failures, and improves repeatability.
  • Architecture Design (Designing & Architecting Business Solutions) - Applies established component and integration patterns when building test harnesses, utilities, and lab automation.
  • Distributed Systems Application Development (Engineering Robust Software Solutions) - Writes maintainable code for test collateral, harnesses, utilities, and integrations that coordinate devices and services.
  • Quality Assurance (Enhancing Product & Project Execution) - Uses data and engineering judgment to validate Windows experiences and prevent regressions.


#W+DJOBS

Software Engineering IC2 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,400 - $168,100 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 $111,100 - $183,700 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 jobs: