Backend Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer 2, you design, build, and operate large-scale backend services. You own features end-to-end, apply sound engineering judgment across the lifecycle (design → implementation → testing → deployment → operations), and collaborate across teams to deliver secure, reliable, diagnosable services that meet customer and business goals.   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.

Design & architecture: Contribute to architecture proposals and design docs; evaluate tradeoffs across functionality, performance, reliability, cost (COGS), and dependencies; ensure designs meet security, privacy, and compliance expectations. Implementation & code quality: Write clean, efficient, maintainable code; apply best practices and patterns; participate in timely code reviews and raise quality through constructive feedback and coaching. Testing & engineering lifecycle: Define and execute a test strategy (unit/integration/security testing), improve test coverage, prevent regressions, and follow disciplined SDLC practices (estimation, reviews, bug triage, check-in, sign-off). Reliability & live-site excellence: Operate and improve live services (on-call/DRI as needed); use logs, telemetry, and debugging tools to investigate issues with least-privilege access; run retrospectives, implement repair actions, and improve TSGs/monitoring to prevent recurrence. Data-driven problem solving: Use telemetry and experimentation/metrics (where applicable) to validate assumptions, prioritize work, and drive customer/partner outcomes. Communication & collaboration: Communicate clearly and respectfully in written and oral form; align stakeholders across organizational boundaries to drive mutually beneficial outcomes and cohesive end-to-end experiences. AI‑native development: Use AI tools responsibly across the SDLC (coding, tests, analysis, documentation); review and own all AI-assisted changes and apply appropriate tooling/processes.

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

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science or related technical field AND technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience. Experience designing, developing, and operating backend services. Fundamentals in algorithms/data structures, multithreading/asynchronous processing, and networking. Solid English proficiency with clear written and oral communication. Cloud and DevOps experience (Azure preferred). Experience improving diagnostics/monitoring, security hardening, and operational readiness at scale. Passion for highly scalable, highly reliable distributed systems. Experience using AI tools for developing software. 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,