Software Engineer II -Azure Kubernetes Service

Overview

Are you interested in system architecture and software development with a focus on security? Do you aim to create solutions that balance user needs and Microsoft's security requirements? Do you enjoy contributing to a high-performing team and supporting others' success? If so, the Azure Kubernetes Service Security Operational team could be a good fit for you. Our team is responsible for strengthening Microsoft's infrastructure to provide reliable services for a wide range of customers and Azure users.

As a Software Engineer II on the Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) team, you will contribute to building secure, scalable, and reliable cloud-native infrastructure. In this role, you will focus on cross-cutting security concerns across the AKS stack, helping to design and implement secure-by-default features, improve threat modeling, and integrate AI-assisted tooling to enhance security workflows. You will work closely with engineers across the stack to build libraries, services, and automation that improve the security posture of AKS. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about building secure systems, curious about AI-assisted development, and eager to grow as a generalist engineer with a strong security mindset.

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

• Design and implement secure, scalable components and libraries for AKS.
• Collaborate with security and engineering teams to identify and address cross-cutting security concerns.
• Develop and integrate AI-assisted tools to support threat modeling, code analysis, and incident response.
• Contribute to automation and tooling that improves security signal quality and developer productivity.
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to secure-by-default architecture decisions.
• Stay current with emerging security trends, AI technologies, and Kubernetes ecosystem developments.

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++, C#, Java, JavaScript, 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.

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.
• 2+ years of experience with Kubernetes, Golang, and Cloud Native technologies.
• Experience building and operating cloud-based and distributed systems, with a strong understanding of scalability, reliability, authentication, and authorization in production environments.
• Experience with AI and agentic technologies, such as LLMs, autonomous agents, or AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, security analyzers, or anomaly detection systems).

Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 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 $131,400 - $215,400 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
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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.