The Linux Systems Group is responsible for delivering high-quality Linux platforms that power services and devices across Microsoft. We develop, deploy, and manage reliable and secure Linux operating systems that support Azure Boost on millions of machines. Azure Boost offloads networking and storage to custom hardware, enabling new features and capabilities for all Azure customers. We are looking for a Software Engineer II who is passionate about Linux and open-source projects.
This opportunity allows you to explore your interests, grow your skills, and make a meaningful impact. You will have the chance to bring your aspirations, talent, and enthusiasm to a team that values innovation and collaboration.
As a Software Engineer II in the Linux Systems Group, you will work on the cutting edge of Azure infrastructure, contribute to open-source projects, and help define the roadmap for Linux operating system development at Microsoft. You will collaborate with upstream communities, engage with Linux and systemd maintainers, and influence practices that strengthen Microsoft’s platforms while advancing industry standards.
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
- Develop and maintain Microsoft’s custom Linux OS platform, ensuring reliability, performance, and security at hyperscale.
- Participate in monitoring and troubleshooting efforts, helping investigate OS health, performance, and deployment issues across the fleet.
- Submit and review code changes for OS components.
- Support the integration of next-generation Linux OS technologies and assist in enabling new datacenter hardware.
- Collaborate with open-source communities to develop necessary features
- Build expertise in Linux internals, system software, and cloud infrastructure
Qualifications
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++, Rust, or Python
- 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.
- 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++, Rust, 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++, Rust, or Python
- OR equivalent experience.
- 1+ year of experience in systems programming in Linux.
- 1+ years experience with systemd, portable services and/or container runtimes
- 1+ years experience with contributing to open-source projects, especially in the Linux ecosystem with debugging skills, including use of tools such as strace, perf, gdb, or similar.
- 1+ years experience with large-scale distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, or hyperscale datacenter environments.
#azurecorejobs
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 a related technical field and 2+ years of technical engineering experience coding in C, C++, Rust, or Python, or equivalent experience.
- Ability to pass Microsoft's Cloud Background Check and meet applicable customer or government security screening requirements.
- Master's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field and 3+ years of technical engineering experience coding in C, C++, Rust, or Python, or equivalent experience.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field and 5+ years of technical engineering experience coding in C, C++, Rust, or Python, or equivalent experience.
- 1+ year of experience in Linux systems programming.
- 1+ year of experience with systemd, portable services, or container runtimes.
- 1+ year of experience contributing to open-source projects, especially in the Linux ecosystem.
- Debugging experience using tools such as strace, perf, or gdb.
- 1+ year of experience with large-scale distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, or hyperscale datacenter environments.
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.
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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.
