The Windows Security team is responsible for securing the Windows client and server operating systems, used by billions of customers every day and in businesses worldwide. This team performs security design reviews, code reviews, penetration testing, vulnerability research and driving systematic mitigations to security risks on Windows to make sure they meet the highest possible security standards and proactively defend cybersecurity threats. This role is hands-on, technically demanding, and central to strengthening the security posture of OS platforms.
In this Security Engineer II - Windows Security role, you will uncover novel attack vectors, develop proof-of-concept mitigations, and partner directly with Windows product engineering teams to design durable & scalable defense. The candidate will have hands-on experience with native code (C/C++), penetration testing (code audit, writing fuzzers, finding creative ways to break assumptions), a clear understanding of OS security fundamentals, solid computer science skills, and a passion for keeping Microsoft customers safe.
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
- Build reusable agents and tools to expedite and improve the consistency and quality of security reviews.
- Review features and code for security defects and architectural risk using agents and automated tools built by you and others.
- Be the security contact for teams building new innovative products and technologies in the next version of Windows and devices.
- Identify security vulnerabilities in a wide variety of key OS features such as network protocols, security features, and Microsoft devices Leverage a broad and current understanding of security to devise new protections.
- Interact with the external security community and security researchers.
- Collaborate with product teams to improve security, and articulate the business value of security investments.
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in security or related field.
- OR Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 2+ years experience in security or related field.
- 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:
- 2+ years identifying vulnerabilities in operating systems and/or native (C/C++) applications.
- 5+ years of experience in a software engineering or security-related engineering.
- Public track record of relevant security research, especially around vulnerability discovery.
- Experience exploiting bugs and bypassing security mitigations in operating systems.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Windows architecture.
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Penetration Testing 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.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field and at least 1 year of experience in security or a related field
- Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field and at least 2 years of experience in security or a related field
- Equivalent experience may substitute for the stated degree and experience requirements
- Ability to meet Microsoft, customer, and/or government security screening requirements
- Pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire or transfer and every two years thereafter
- At least 2 years identifying vulnerabilities in operating systems and/or native C/C++ applications
- At least 5 years of experience in software engineering or security-related engineering
- Public track record of relevant security research, especially vulnerability discovery
- Experience exploiting bugs and bypassing security mitigations in operating systems
- Familiarity with Microsoft Windows architecture
Microsoft Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Microsoft and has not been reviewed or approved by Microsoft.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is presented as broadly competitive overall, with clear role/level/location variation and an emphasis on using posted ranges and band information for apples-to-apples comparisons.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout, highlighted by a strong 401(k) match structure and immediate vesting, plus additional plan features for tax-advantaged saving.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits are portrayed as a meaningful strength, with substantial paid parental leave and added supports like back-up care and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
Microsoft Insights
What We Do
At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Our mission is grounded in both the world in which we live and the future we strive to create. Today, we live in a mobile-first, cloud-first world, and the transformation we are driving across our businesses is designed to enable Microsoft and our customers to thrive in this world.
