Applications Dev & Test – Software Design Engineer

Position: Applications Dev & Test – Software Design Engineer 3

Job Title

Software Design Engineer 3 – Windows Hardware Security

Job#: 3016240

Location

Hybrid – Redmond, WA (Onsite required due to access to specialized equipment, prototypes, and secure facilities)

Team

Windows & Devices – Hardware Security Engineering

Work Hours

Standard business hours (no remote time-zone flexibility)

About the Team

The Windows Hardware Security team is responsible for the foundational security of Windows laptop devices, including Surface. We design and implement the security processor, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), trusted boot flows, and the underlying hardware‑rooted security features that protect millions of users.

As a Software Design Engineer 3, you will help shape the next generation of Windows device security, working directly on technologies that anchor Microsoft’s security posture—such as the Pluton security chipset.

Role Overview

In this role, you will design, develop, implement, test, and maintain low‑level software and firmware that power secure Windows boot, device identity, cryptographic operations, and hardware‑rooted trust. You will work across firmware, OS components, drivers, and security subsystems to deliver robust, high‑assurance security features for future Windows devices.

This position requires deep technical expertise in hardware security, cryptography, and low‑level Windows development.

Typical Day in the Role

• Participate in daily sprint execution and stand‑up meetings
• Design and develop firmware/software for Windows boot components
• Implement and test TPM drivers, trusted boot flows, and OS security components
• Work directly with the Microsoft Pluton chipset and related hardware security technologies
• Write, review, and optimize cryptographic code
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary engineering teams (hardware, firmware, OS, security)
• Debug complex issues across firmware, drivers, and OS layers
• Validate security features on specialized hardware and prototype devices

Key Responsibilities

• Fine‑tune and improve sophisticated software implementation projects
• Gather and analyze system requirements; document specifications
• Develop secure software solutions aligned with platform and customer needs
• Analyze enhancement requests and translate them into technical designs
• Implement system software and customize solutions to meet device requirements
• Prepare detailed software specifications and test plans
• Write new code and create test data for validation
• Modify existing programs to meet new standards and perform unit testing
• Build migration packages for system testing, user testing, and deployment
• Conduct quality assurance reviews and post‑implementation validation
• Diagnose and resolve issues across new and legacy systems

Required Qualifications Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• 5‑7 years of professional software engineering experience
• Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals (data structures, algorithms, software design)
• Experience with large‑scale systems software design and development
• Proven ability in deep troubleshooting, debugging, and unit testing
• Experience diagnosing and resolving complex software issues

Top 3 Must‑Have Hard Skills (5 years each)

• Hardware Security Expertise – TPM, trusted boot, secure boot, hardware‑rooted trust, platform security
• Cryptography – Encryption/decryption software development; implementing and understanding crypto algorithms and secure coding practices
• Low‑Level Windows Firmware & Driver Development – Windows boot components, firmware development, driver‑level programming and debugging

Ideal Candidate Background

• Prior experience specifically in hardware security engineering
• Hands‑on experience with Windows low‑level code, firmware, and cryptographic implementations
• Strong understanding of OS internals, drivers, and secure system architecture

Why This Role Is Unique

• You will work on mission‑critical Windows security technologies used across the global ecosystem
• You will contribute to Microsoft’s state‑of‑the‑art Pluton security chipset, powering next‑generation hardware
• Your work directly impacts the security of millions of devices worldwide

Performance Measurement

Contractor…