Software Engineer II - Operating Systems (OS) Software/Hardware Optimization
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 13, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 1, 2026. Microsoft scores B on the Alion truth index.
Our mission in WSSI (Windows Silicon and System Integration) is to deliver the best silicon and OS platform for the new era of AI computing. We partner closely with our Independent Hardware Vendors (IHV) to enable new silicon and features, bringing out the best in Windows-based PCs.
In WSSI Compute Fundamentals, we are seeking a Software Engineer II to focus on GPU and AI workloads at all levels of the software stack, including hardware, firmware, drivers, the operating system, APIs, and applications. The engineer will optimize performance, power, and reliability in pursuit of a superior Windows PC experience for our customers and partners. This role is in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Fundamentals product area and is expected to be on site at least three days per week.
At Microsoft, our mission-to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more-guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress-people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.
Responsibilities
- Deep dive into AI and GPU code and the operating system to analyze performance, power, and reliability fundamentals.
- Use internal and external tools to collect telemetry and logs, analyze bugs and bottlenecks, and determine next steps.
- Design, implement, and test feature and operating-system improvements in the latest Windows OS.
- Work with the local team and internal and external partners to plan and execute identified improvements.
- Build secure, scalable, and compliant code using AI, and review both human- and AI-generated code.
- Use agentic AI and processes to work faster, integrated into daily tools and process flows within WSSI.
- Contribute to architecture discussions and design documents, ensuring performance, reliability, accessibility, privacy, and compliance.
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
- 4+ years of technical engineering experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in C/C++ and use of scripting languages, including, but not limited to PowerShell.
- Familiarity with benchmark usage, including 3DMark, Procyon AI, MLPerf, or similar tools, and performance analysis.
- Demonstrated knowledge of modern operating system and application analysis, including Windows, Linux, or equivalent environments.
- Experience with AI workloads, APIs, and application development, including ONNX, ONNX Runtime, AI models, AI/NPU hardware, or driver development.
- Knowledge of graphics processing unit APIs such as DirectX or Vulkan, and graphical application development such as games, 3D applications, or game engines.
#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.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.