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Windows Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Windows Phone developer Duration: 2 years Location: Seattle, WA Need GC and USC Required Skills: Top Three Skills: 1. Windows Phone development (XMAL) 2. Agile (experience creating mobile apps within ...

Windows Support Location: Redmond WA Duration: Full Time 3 + years of technical support experience ... The successful Support Engineer has the drive and intellectual horsepower to resolve difficult ...

Windows Kernal Driver Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Onsite/Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer location Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

The Windows Engineering System team is the backbone that enables Windows engineers to design, build, validate, and ship at scale-securely and with high quality. Windows, and the industry at large ...

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Windows Developer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$68.9K

$153.6K

$254.3K

How much do windows developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows developer in Seattle, WA is $153,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $182,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Windows developer?

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 as a Windows developer?

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 Seattle, WA?

For Windows Developer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Windows Developer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,599 per year, or $73.8 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer, Windows Apps & Developer Ecosystem

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Are you passionate about Windows apps and the developer ecosystem? Do you have a deep understanding of what it takes to build, publish, and grow successful apps? Are you excited about working at the intersection of product strategy, developer engagement, and platform innovation?
The Microsoft Store team is seeking a Principal Software Engineer, Windows Apps & Developer Ecosystem to grow the Windows developer ecosystem and increase the number of high-quality applications on Windows and in the Microsoft Store. As a member of the Microsoft Store leadership team, you will define and execute our developer and independent software vendor (ISV) engagement strategy.
You will work with developers, strategic partners, and Microsoft engineering teams to strengthen the app ecosystem, remove barriers to adoption, bring innovation through Artificial Intelligence (AI), influence platform capabilities, and help developers succeed on Windows.
You will also apply your technical expertise to guide application architecture and identify opportunities for new services, Software Development Kits (SDKs), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and tools. Where needed, you will lead or contribute directly to the design and development of these capabilities.
At Microsoft, our mission-to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more-guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress-people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what's next for everyone.
Responsibilities
  • Build trusted relationships with developers, ISVs, and Microsoft product teams, helping them publish and grow successful applications on Windows.
  • Lead complex technical engagements across application architecture, distribution, commerce, analytics, and lifecycle management.
  • Design and build developer-facing services, SDKs, APIs, and tooling that simplify app development, increase platform adoption, and help developers succeed on Windows.
  • Represent the voice of the developer ecosystem by translating customer feedback, market trends, and industry insights into platform strategy, product investments, and roadmap priorities.
  • Own ambiguous, cross-team initiatives from discovery and technical strategy through implementation, launch, and measurement, creating clarity across organizational boundaries and ensuring solutions meet high standards for quality, security, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Define success measures for developer engagements and platform initiatives, use feedback and data to evaluate outcomes, and apply those learnings to improve future investments and developer experiences.

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.

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
  • 10+ years of experience building and shipping native applications on Windows or other modern client platforms.
  • Experience publishing, operating, or growing applications through an app store ecosystem.
  • Experience working directly with developers or software vendors (ISVs) to resolve complex technical challenges and drive product adoption.
  • Deep expertise in Windows application development, developer tooling, and platform technologies.
  • Deep understanding of app publishing, commerce, acquisition, engagement, and growth through the Microsoft Store.
  • Experience designing or building developer-facing SDKs, APIs, frameworks, services, or tooling.
  • Experience leading complex technical initiatives from concept through delivery, influencing without direct authority.
  • Experience with cross-platform, mobile, or desktop application ecosystems.
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with developers, engineering teams, and executive stakeholders.
  • Experience troubleshooting and optimizing application performance, distribution, monetization, and developer experience at scale.
  • Strategic mindset with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership through technical influence, innovation, and execution.

#W+DJOBS
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.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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