We are looking for a Software Engineer II to join the Microsoft Discovery team and work on an exciting new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven platform that will transform the scientific research process. Microsoft Discovery is a cutting-edge enterprise platform that uses AI agents and high-performance computing to accelerate research and development (R&D) in science and engineering. Microsoft Discovery is already driving breakthroughs in collaboration with partners across industries like chemistry and materials, energy, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, showcasing its potential to solve real-world challenges through AI-powered discovery.
We innovate quickly, learn from data and experience, think creatively, and have fun – all while tackling challenging customer and partner problems. You will be part of a startup-like environment within Microsoft, joining a highly motivated team that enjoys tough challenges and rapid development iterations. We collaborate closely with key platform teams across Microsoft and Microsoft Research to design, build, and operate the Discovery platform and related products.
In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day. 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 to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
As a Software Engineer II, you will:
Design and build scalable, distributed systems from the ground up.
Deliver features from ideation to global rollout.
Improve engineering velocity and service reliability through adoption of AI-enabled process enhancements.
Collaborate across Microsoft Research and platform teams to integrate cutting-edge technologies.
Apply site-reliability engineering practices to ensure robust operations.
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.
- OR equivalent experience.
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.
Hands on experience with cloud platforms and enterprise-scale services.
Familiarity with widely used scientific tools in chemistry, physics and bio sciences.
Proficiency in building web user experience for scientists or developers.
Deep problem-solving skills and a bias for action.
Passion for scientific innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Advanced degree (MS/PhD) is a plus.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field
- 2+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python (or equivalent experience)
- Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire and every two years
- Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field and 3+ years technical engineering experience (preferred alternative)
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field and 5+ years technical engineering experience (preferred alternative)
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms and enterprise-scale services
- Familiarity with widely used scientific tools in chemistry, physics, and biosciences
- Proficiency in building web user experiences for scientists or developers
- Deep problem-solving skills and a bias for action
- Passion for scientific innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Advanced degree (MS/PhD) is a plus
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.
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