Software Design Engineer (contract)

Microsoft

Redmond, WA Full-time 3/31/2026 $59.50 - $67.50 an hour

Undergraduate with 5+ Years of Experience

Approval 98.4%•Total filings 6,363•New hires 3,142•

👑 Elite Sponsor

•FY 2025

Job Description

This contract role involves working on Windows audio system certification, ensuring compatibility between hardware and the Windows operating system. The candidate will manage certification tests for industry partners, diagnose complex issues, and enhance debugging tools, contributing to the development and release of Windows 11.

Requirements

Minimum 5-7 years of software engineering experience
Minimum 3 years of C++ programming experience
Minimum 3 years of experience with Windows device driver development
Minimum 4 years of experience with advanced debugging on Windows
Experience performing in-depth troubleshooting with both new and legacy production systems
Experience in problem diagnosis and resolution
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
Advanced C++ programming
Windows device driver development
Advanced debugging on Windows platforms
Data structures and algorithms
Software design and architecture
In-depth troubleshooting and problem diagnosis
Unit testing methodologies
Large systems software design and development
Legacy and production systems maintenance
Audio or media technologies (preferred)

Responsibilities

Diagnose and resolve audio certification test failures reported by external partners and escalation engineers
Create test errata to address and overturn partner failures in certification processes
Develop test content fixes and improvements to enhance certification accuracy and efficiency
Execute comprehensive certification test passes to validate audio hardware and device drivers
Ensure Microsoft audio drivers successfully pass all certification requirements
Fine-tune and improve sophisticated software implementation projects related to audio testing
Gather and analyze system requirements and document specifications for certification solutions
Code new programs and modify existing programs to meet certification standards
Conduct unit testing of developed programs and perform in-depth troubleshooting
Provide quality assurance reviews and post-implementation validation of software
Develop and enhance internal tools to improve debugging capabilities
Prepare detailed software specifications and test plans for certification processes
Create migration packages for system testing, user testing, and implementation

Benefits

Employees at Microsoft are often offered comprehensive, “world-class” benefits—including health and mental-wellness programs, competitive pay with bonuses and stock awards, and retirement/savings options. Time-off and flexibility are common, with generous vacation and holidays, parental and caregiver leave, and flexible work schedules, alongside learning support, employee resource groups, product discounts, and matching-gifts/volunteering programs. Specific benefits can vary by region.

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