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Windows Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Windows Performance Engineer, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

$148K/yr

As a Windows Performance Developer, you'll be owning and driving analysis of complex system level performance aspects and coming up with solutions to optimize performance without impacting power ...

Supermicro

Sr. Software Engineer (27251)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Required : • BS/MS CS/CE/EE • 7+ years of working experience in Linux/Windows Programming • ... Strong programming skills in C Preferred : • familiar with ARM-based assembly language is a plus ...

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$59.7K

$133.2K

$220.6K

How much do windows developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows developer in California is $133,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,600.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Windows Developer job?

A Windows Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining applications for the Windows operating system. They work with programming languages like C#, C++, and .NET to build desktop or UWP (Universal Windows Platform) applications. Their role includes debugging, optimizing performance, and ensuring compatibility across different Windows versions. Windows Developers may also integrate software with cloud services and databases, depending on project requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Windows Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Windows Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as C#, .NET, and C++, along with a solid understanding of Windows operating system architecture. Familiarity with development tools like Visual Studio, Windows APIs, and version control systems such as Git is typically expected, and certifications like Microsoft Certified: Windows Developer Associate can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality, maintainable software solutions while enabling effective collaboration within development teams.

What are common challenges faced by Windows Developers and how can they be addressed?

Windows Developers often encounter challenges such as managing compatibility across different Windows versions, optimizing application performance, and debugging complex issues within the operating system environment. Staying up-to-date with frequent updates to the Windows platform and adhering to best practices for security and user interface design are essential. Collaboration with QA testers, UX/UI designers, and IT support teams helps in identifying and resolving issues more efficiently. Proactively participating in code reviews and leveraging available documentation and community resources can greatly assist in overcoming these challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Windows Developer jobs in California? For Windows Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Windows Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Windows Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Windows Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Windows Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Windows Developer jobs in CA? For Windows Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Windows Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Windows Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,202 per year, or $64 per hour.
Windows Driver Validation Engineer supporting Nvidia

Windows Driver Validation Engineer supporting Nvidia

Sustainable Talent

Santa Clara, CA

$50 - $80/hr

Full-time, Contractor

PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Sustainable Talent is partnering with Nvidia a global leader who's been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for over 25 years. We are looking for a Windows Driver Validation Engineer to support our client's team onsite in Santa Clara, CA.

This is a full-time (W-2) 6 month contract role. We offer competitive pay $50/hr - $80/hr based on factors like experience, education, location, etc. and provide full benefits, PTO, and amazing company culture!

In this role you will be responsible for test and analysis of issues across internal and OEM Windows platform configurations. The role ensures CI/CD quality, Windows driver compliance, OEM readiness (HLK/WHQL where applicable), and release readiness across system-level builds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Device Setup & Configuration: Flash Windows OS builds onto boards and OEM devices; install and validate SoC, GPU, USB, display, and platform drivers; configure Windows debugging tools (e.g., WinDbg/KDNET); enable and collect crash dumps and system logs.

• Perform Windows system-level and driver-level validation across functional, stress, power management (Modern Standby, S3/S4), and performance scenarios.

• Investigate Windows system crashes (e.g., BSOD), analyze memory dumps and Windows event logs, and support root cause analysis in collaboration with driver and platform teams.

• Develop and execute automated and manual test plans across internal and OEM Windows configurations, validating multiple driver and software build versions.

• Conduct exploratory testing to identify subsystem-level issues (USB, display, PCIe, power management, etc.).

• Triage internal and OEM defects; reproduce failures, collect logs and crash dumps, document findings, and track issue resolution through release readiness.

• Work closely with BSP, driver, OEM QA, and automation teams to ensure CI/CD build stability, validation coverage, and certification readiness (HLK/WHQL where applicable).

• Prepare detailed test execution reports and communicate validation results to internal and external stakeholders.

Skillset:

• 5–8 years of Windows system-level or driver-level testing experience (application-level QA experience alone is not sufficient).

• Hands-on experience with Windows platform validation, driver installation, and driver debugging.

• Proficiency using Windows debugging tools such as WinDbg or KDNET; experience analyzing crash dumps, memory dumps, and Windows event logs.

• Strong understanding of Windows power management, including Modern Standby, ACPI, and S3/S4 sleep states.

• Experience configuring UEFI/BIOS settings and flashing Windows OS builds onto hardware platforms.

• Demonstrated experience in defect triage, log analysis, reproduction of issues, and root cause support.

• Experience working with CI/CD pipelines supporting Windows builds and regression validation.

• Familiarity with Windows Driver Kit (WDK), HLK/WHQL certification processes, or OEM device validation is strongly preferred.

• Experience validating USB4, DisplayPort (DP) tunneling, PCIe, or platform drivers is a plus.

Sustainable Talent is a M/F+, disabled, and veteran equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

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