Desktop Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Overview
We are hiring a Senior Software Engineer for the "Windows in the Cloud" engineering team, where we build beautiful client applications and delightful experiences used by more than millions people every day to access Windows as a remote desktop. Our vision is to deliver the best expression of Windows from any client, any OS, and any form factor, from the Windows App (Windows App documentation - Windows App | Microsoft Learn), the single unified client for Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and remote PCs, to immersive cloud experiences like Windows 365 Boot, Windows 365 Link, and Windows 365 Switch.
The Windows App is entering its most exciting chapter yet. As Microsoft brings Windows into the cloud and AI into everything, the Windows App is becoming the surface where people and, increasingly, AI agents connect to a Cloud PC. With Windows 365 for Agents, the Cloud PC is now the secure, IT-managed environment where AI agents perform real work in genuine desktop and browser environments. This role sits at the center of that shift.
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
As a Senior Software Engineer on the Windows App, you will blur the lines between local and remote computing for frontline and information workers and help define what it means for both people and AI agents to access Windows from anywhere. You will be part of a diverse, fast-growing, and agile team of motivated and passionate engineers and product managers. Our culture is like a startup: we do what is necessary to help customers succeed, move fast, and have fun building meaningful products. You will get outstanding career growth and the chance to shape products that transform personal computing into a device-agnostic, cloud-first, and AI-native experience.
What you'll do
• Design and ship new Windows App and Windows 365 Cloud PC features, with a focus on seamless integration with OS platform capabilities for WIndows Client.
• Build the client experiences that make the Cloud PC the best place to run AI agents including agentic and computer-use scenarios, in-app AI assistance, and intelligent connection and troubleshooting experiences.
• Provide architectural leadership for secure, distributed, scalable, and resilient client applications and services built with modern technologies such as C#, C++, TypeScript, WinUI, and WebView2.
• Champion AI-assisted engineering, use modern AI developer tools for coding, debugging, testing, and design, and help the team adopt these workflows while upholding secure engineering and Responsible AI practices.
• Drive reliability through telemetry-driven development, live-site monitoring, and rapid incident response, owning critical areas of the client architecture.
• Collaborate across organizations with partner teams such as Windows, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, and Identity to deliver cohesive end-to-end solutions.
• Mentor engineers across the team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning
Qualifications
Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C++, or C#
  • 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 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C++, or C#
  • OR Bachelor'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 equivalent experience.
• Expertise in Windows platform development: COM, WinRT, NT Services, core Windows OS APIs and modern UI frameworks such as WinUI
• Expertise in identity and authentication for client applications like Microsoft Entra ID, MSAL, and Web Account Manager (WAM)
• Experience with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and remote desktop protocols (e.g., RDP) is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead the architecture, design, and delivery of large-scale client applications, with deep expertise in building performant, reliable, secure, and accessible user experiences that operate at global scale.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging and championing AI-assisted software development, including modern AI tools and workflows for coding, testing, debugging, and design, while maintaining high standards for security, code quality, responsible AI, and maintainability.
• Proven track record of mentoring engineers and, driving engineering best practices, fostering innovation, and cultivating a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and operational rigor.

# W+DJobs #WindowsAppJobs #WCX #windows365
Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $160,200 - $261,000 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.