Software Engineer II

Microsoft's M365 Core App and Data Platform is a massively scaled service that forms the backbone of M365 offerings. Our services empower businesses, educational institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide, representing more than a billion users. 

We are on an ambitious journey to reimagine the way we index and understand enterprise data in the era of Large Language Models (LLMs). We are building the Semantic Fabric - a revolutionary technology designed to provide a semantic index for all enterprise data within M365. This innovative platform will deliver exceptional semantic search experiences and integrate seamlessly with LLMs for contextual understanding. This initiative is vital to our vision for Microsoft's Copilot. 

We are seeking an innovative and skilled Software Engineer II with a passion for pushing the boundaries of technology. In this role, you will contribute to developing, designing, and operating large-scale data systems that make up our next-generation platform. As a part of our team, your work will have a direct impact on people globally and on one of the world's most significant data platforms. 

At Microsoft, we value diversity and ensure all voices are heard. A healthy work-life balance is essential to us, and we're a team that works hard but also knows how to have fun. If you're excited by the opportunity to contribute to transformative technological advances and make an impact on a global scale, this could be the role for you! 

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.

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.
• 2+ years of experience working with large data platforms, high performance indexing systems, or backend systems.

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: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
  • OR Master'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.

• Proven experience in designing, building, and maintaining large-scale data systems. 
• Familiarity with Semantic Search or Indexing technology. 
• Experience using Rust Programming Language.  
• Proven experience in any modern continuous delivery/deployment system. 
• Demonstrated ability to mentor team members and to lead small to medium-sized projects. 
• Problem-solving skills, with the ability to think quickly and thoroughly. 

Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $98,300 - $193,200 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 $127,200 - $208,800 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

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 29, 2024

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

#M365CORE

As a Software Engineer II on the Semantic Fabric Team, you will be entrusted with a range of responsibilities that are key to the successful development and evolution of our cutting-edge technology platform. Your responsibilities will include: 

• Participate in the development of the Semantic Fabric, a cutting-edge technology delivering semantic indexing and search experiences across Microsoft Office 365. 
• Build scalable, high-performance software services over large datasets with low latency and high availability. 
• Ensure the platform adheres to Microsoft’s strict data privacy and compliance standards. 
• Participate in design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software solutions to meet the functional and non-functional requirements of the Semantic Fabric. 
• Collaborate with team members and other engineering teams to ensure the successful integration of individual components into the larger system. 
• Realize architectural discussions and decisions, carry out selected technologies, design scalable and sustainable solutions, and plan for future growth. 
• Proactively identify technical debt and other issues impacting the performance or reliability of the software and devising solutions. 
• Constantly stay informed about the latest developments in the LLM and semantic search field and identify opportunities to apply new methods or technologies to improve the Semantic Fabric. 
• Take part in code reviews, both as a reviewer and a reviewee, to ensure the quality of the software and promote best practices within the team. 
• Engage with stakeholders, including team members, other teams, and customers, to gather feedback and ensure the software meets their needs. 
• Ensure the software complies with Microsoft's security and privacy standards. 
• Identify risks that could impact the delivery of the software, and take action to mitigate these risks.