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Software Engineer II - Windows Compatibility

Microsoft

Listing collected from Microsoft's career site. NextChapter is independent of Microsoft.

Redmond, WA · Posted October 14, 2026

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Skills this job asks for

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  • Python
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • C#

About the job

Overview

The Windows Compatibility team plays a critical role in the development and delivery of Windows across a broad range of devices, architectures, and silicon, from laptops to gaming consoles. We build innovative solutions that ensure customers can continue using their favorite applications as Windows grows and evolves.

As Windows continues to advance with new devices, AI-powered experiences, and platform innovations, our team focuses on solving complex compatibility challenges and improving the overall Windows experience. We develop engineering tools, automation frameworks, and infrastructure that help identify, investigate, and resolve compatibility issues before they impact customers.

We collaborate closely with Windows engineering teams and partners across Microsoft to deliver reliable, scalable solutions that support the future of Windows. We are expanding our team to help shape the next generation of compatibility engineering and create meaningful impact for millions of customers worldwide.

As a Software Engineer II on the Windows Compatibility team in Redmond, your work will directly impact Windows engineering teams globally. You will design and develop solutions that ensure critical application compatibility issues introduced during Windows development are identified and resolved before reaching customers.

You will build and enhance compatibility engineering tools, automation systems, and data-driven solutions using modern software engineering practices, AI technologies, and analytics. You will collaborate with engineers across Microsoft to investigate complex compatibility challenges, improve engineering processes, and influence solutions that enhance the Windows ecosystem.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day, we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

This opportunity will allow you to

Develop Windows Compatibility tools, automation frameworks, and infrastructure to identify regressions and improve compatibility coverage.

Design and implement scalable solutions that support compatibility validation, test automation, and new Windows platform scenarios.

Enhance test authoring experiences by building AI-powered solutions and leveraging emerging technologies.

Modernize Compatibility Engineering tools by applying secure, reliable, and maintainable engineering practices.

Investigate compatibility issues, perform root cause analysis, and deliver solutions that improve Windows customer experiences.

Collaborate with engineering teams across Microsoft and external partners to understand compatibility challenges and drive effective solutions.

Play a fundamental role in defining and building products and technologies used by millions of people.

Develop innovative solutions using AI, automation, and data-driven engineering approaches.

Solve problems across Windows, operating systems, cloud technologies, and emerging platforms.

Work in a team environment that encourages ownership, collaboration, and strategic impact.

Partner with engineering teams across Microsoft to deliver high-quality customer experiences.

Invest in your professional development through continuous learning, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities.

Experience new engineering challenges that expand your technical skills and expertise.

Work with a team that values inclusion, flexibility, innovation, and engineering excellence

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

Additional or preferred qualifications

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

2+ years' industry experience designing, building, testing, and shipping software.

Experience working with and building AI solutions is highly desired.

Solid problem-solving skills and ability to deal with ambiguity comfortably.

Passion for customers, product quality and drive for results.

Leadership and communication skills are key to this role.

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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.