Security Engineer II

The Microsoft Windows Security team is looking for a learn-it-all security engineer that will help secure Microsoft Windows products and devices, with focus on offensive security and security engineering & mitigations for Windows.

The Windows Security team is responsible for securing the Windows client and server operating systems, used by billions of customers every day and in businesses worldwide. This team performs security design reviews, code reviews, penetration testing, vulnerability research and driving systematic mitigations to security risks on Windows to make sure they meet the highest possible security standards and proactively defend cybersecurity threats. This role is hands-on, technically demanding, and central to strengthening the security posture of OS platforms.

In this Security Engineer II - Windows Security role, you will uncover novel attack vectors, develop proof-of-concept mitigations, and partner directly with Windows product engineering teams to design durable & scalable defense. The candidate will have hands-on experience with native code (C/C++), penetration testing (code audit, writing fuzzers, finding creative ways to break assumptions), a clear understanding of OS security fundamentals, solid computer science skills, and a passion for keeping Microsoft customers safe.

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

Build reusable agents and tools to expedite and improve the consistency and quality of security reviews.

Review features and code for security defects and architectural risk using agents and automated tools built by you and others.

Be the security contact for teams building new innovative products and technologies in the next version of Windows and devices.

Identify security vulnerabilities in a wide variety of key OS features such as network protocols, security features, and Microsoft devices Leverage a broad and current understanding of security to devise new protections.

Interact with the external security community and security researchers.

Collaborate with product teams to improve security, and articulate the business value of security investments.

Required/Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in security or related field. OR Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field AND 2+ years experience in security or related field.

OR equivalent experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications

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

2+ years identifying vulnerabilities in operating systems and/or native (C/C++) applications.

5+ years of experience in a software engineering or security-related engineering.

Public track record of relevant security research, especially around vulnerability discovery.