Software Engineer Director

Microsoft Surface is a platform for innovation-where hardware and software converge to deliver premium, intelligent experiences that empower people to achieve more. The Surface Software Development team is at the heart of this mission, crafting intelligent software that defines how customers interact with Surface devices.

We are seeking a strategic and inclusive leader to drive the next chapter of innovation in Surface applications and insights that enrich our customer experiences. This role leads a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering intelligent, Surface-unique experiences through data science, AI, and app innovation. As a Software Engineer Director you will shape product direction, scale intelligent features across the portfolio, and collaborate across engineering, design, and business teams to create deeply personal and differentiated customer experiences.

Microsoft Culture and Values

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, growth mindset, and customer obsession. As a leader, you will model these values and help your team thrive in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.

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:

• Lead and Inspire: Build, mentor, and empower a high-performing team that thrives on innovation, inclusion, and customer impact.
• Set Strategic Direction: Define and execute a vision that integrates data science and AI to deliver intelligent Surface experiences.
• Deliver Insights: Oversee the generation of actionable insights that inform product strategy and drive business outcomes.
• Build Intelligent Applications: Champion the development of Surface-specific applications and features that delight customers and differentiate the brand.
• Collaborate Across Functions: Partner with product design, program management, engineering, and business teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Foster continuous improvement in development processes, quality standards, and team culture.
• Promote Learning and Innovation: Lead deep dives, brown bags, and boot camps to encourage knowledge sharing and growth.
• Champion Inclusion and Customer Obsession: Embed inclusive practices and customer-centric thinking into every aspect of team culture and product development.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
  • OR equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting technical and architectural reviews to ensure scalable, high-quality software design and implementation.
• Expertise in designing and evaluating scalable software architectures, with a proven ability to guide teams through complex technical decisions and trade-offs.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and delivering strategic outcomes.
• Solid communication and stakeholder management skills across technical and business domains.
• Ability to set vision, motivate teams, and execute in a fast-paced environment.
• Track record of delivering innovative software experiences that drive customer satisfaction.

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 8+ 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 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
  • OR equivalent experience
• 4+ years people management experience.
• 12+ years of experience in software development, data science, or product innovation.
• Experience developing software for Surface or other Microsoft devices.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI and data science into product development.
• Background in app innovation and user experience design.
• Expertise in telemetry systems and app development frameworks.
• Deep understanding of the Microsoft ecosystem and Surface customer needs.

Software Engineering M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: ;br>
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 1, 2025.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form .

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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