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Job Details
Job#: 3016240
Job Description:
Software Design Engineer 3 - Windows Hardware Security
Location: Hybrid- Redmond, WA (Onsite required due to access to specialized equipment, prototypes, and secure facilities)
Team: Windows & Devices - Hardware Security Engineering
Work Hours: Standard business hours (no remote time-zone flexibility)
About the Team
The Windows Hardware Security team is responsible for the foundational security of Windows laptop devices, including Surface. We design and implement the security processor, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), trusted boot flows, and the underlying hardware-rooted security features that protect millions of users.
As a Software Design Engineer 3, you will help shape the next generation of Windows device security, working directly on technologies that anchor Microsoft's security posture-such as the Pluton security chipset.
Role Overview
In this role, you will design, develop, implement, test, and maintain low-level software and firmware that power secure Windows boot, device identity, cryptographic operations, and hardware-rooted trust. You will work across firmware, OS components, drivers, and security subsystems to deliver robust, high-assurance security features for future Windows devices.
This position requires deep technical expertise in hardware security, cryptography, and low-level Windows development.
Typical Day in the Role
Education & Experience
Hardware Security Expertise Cryptography Low-Level Windows Firmware & Driver Development
Disqualifier: Candidates missing any of the above hard skills will not be eligible.
? Ideal Candidate Background
Contractor performance will be evaluated based on:
EEO Employer
Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .
Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
Job Description:
Software Design Engineer 3 - Windows Hardware Security
Location: Hybrid- Redmond, WA (Onsite required due to access to specialized equipment, prototypes, and secure facilities)
Team: Windows & Devices - Hardware Security Engineering
Work Hours: Standard business hours (no remote time-zone flexibility)
About the Team
The Windows Hardware Security team is responsible for the foundational security of Windows laptop devices, including Surface. We design and implement the security processor, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), trusted boot flows, and the underlying hardware-rooted security features that protect millions of users.
As a Software Design Engineer 3, you will help shape the next generation of Windows device security, working directly on technologies that anchor Microsoft's security posture-such as the Pluton security chipset.
Role Overview
In this role, you will design, develop, implement, test, and maintain low-level software and firmware that power secure Windows boot, device identity, cryptographic operations, and hardware-rooted trust. You will work across firmware, OS components, drivers, and security subsystems to deliver robust, high-assurance security features for future Windows devices.
This position requires deep technical expertise in hardware security, cryptography, and low-level Windows development.
Typical Day in the Role
- Participate in daily sprint execution and stand-up meetings
- Design and develop firmware/software for Windows boot components
- Implement and test TPM drivers, trusted boot flows, and OS security components
- Work directly with the Microsoft Pluton chipset and related hardware security technologies
- Write, review, and optimize cryptographic code
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary engineering teams (hardware, firmware, OS, security)
- Debug complex issues across firmware, drivers, and OS layers
- Validate security features on specialized hardware and prototype devices
- Fine-tune and improve sophisticated software implementation projects
- Gather and analyze system requirements; document specifications
- Develop secure software solutions aligned with platform and customer needs
- Analyze enhancement requests and translate them into technical designs
- Implement system software and customize solutions to meet device requirements
- Prepare detailed software specifications and test plans
- Write new code and create test data for validation
- Modify existing programs to meet new standards and perform unit testing
- Build migration packages for system testing, user testing, and deployment
- Conduct quality assurance reviews and post-implementation validation
- Diagnose and resolve issues across new and legacy systems
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
- 5-7 years of professional software engineering experience
- Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, software design)
- Experience with large-scale systems software design and development
- Proven ability in deep troubleshooting, debugging, and unit testing
- Experience diagnosing and resolving complex software issues
- TPM, trusted boot, secure boot, hardware-rooted trust, platform security
- Encryption/decryption software development
- Implementing and understanding crypto algorithms and secure coding practices
- Windows boot components
- Firmware development
- Driver-level programming and debugging
Disqualifier: Candidates missing any of the above hard skills will not be eligible.
? Ideal Candidate Background
- Prior experience specifically in hardware security engineering
- Hands-on experience with Windows low-level code, firmware, and cryptographic implementations
- Strong understanding of OS internals, drivers, and secure system architecture
- You will work on mission-critical Windows security technologies used across the global ecosystem
- You will contribute to Microsoft's state-of-the-art Pluton security chipset, powering next-generation hardware
- Your work directly impacts the security of millions of devices worldwide
Contractor performance will be evaluated based on:
- Feature work delivered
- Code quality and reliability
- Timely delivery of capabilities
- Collaboration and contribution to team goals
EEO Employer
Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .
Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.