Microsoft Azure is advancing the capabilities of public cloud infrastructure by building one of the fastest networks in the industry. We are looking for engineers who are passionate about operating system kernels, enjoy coding, and thrive on designing and deploying network systems and services from concept to production. The Azure Networking Datapath team is responsible for the host platform that powers Software-Defined Networking (SDN). This includes the Azure Virtual Switch, which enables high-speed packet manipulation and virtualization in software, and the hardware platform that supports scaling from 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 100 Gbps. The team has developed host network virtualization features and the Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) platform that supports Azure Storage. As a Software Engineer II on the Datapath team, you will contribute to the development, testing, and deployment of networking acceleration technologies such as Single Root Input/Output Virtualization (SR-IOV), Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK), RDMA, and container networking. Experience in areas like Linux and Windows internals, TCP/IP, virtualization, performance optimization, network hardware, and kernel development is beneficial. This role offers the opportunity to impact millions of users by shaping the future of cloud networking. 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.  By applying to this U.S. based position, while remote work is possible, relocation does not apply/is not provided for the role. **Responsibilities** + Works with appropriate stakeholders to determine user requirements for a set of features. + Contributes to the identification of dependencies, and the development of design documents for a product area with little oversight. + Creates and implements code for a product, service, or feature, reusing code as applicable. + Contributes to efforts to break down larger work items into smaller work items and provides estimation. + Acts as a Designated Responsible Individual (DRI) working on-call to monitor system/product feature/service for degradation, downtime, or interruptions and gains approval to restore system/product/service for simple problems. + Remains current in skills by investing time and effort into staying abreast of current developments that will improve the availability, reliability, efficiency, observability, and performance of products while also driving consistency in monitoring and operations at scale. **Other** + Embody our Culture (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/corporate-values) and Values (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/culture) **Qualifications** **Required Qualif** **ic** **ations:** + Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 2+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python + OR equivalent experience. + 2+ years of experience in large-scale product development and maintenance of production systems + 2+ years of experience working in low level systems development (Ex. networking, drivers, etc.). + 2+ years of professional experience developing in C and C+ **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 Qualif** **ic** **ations:** + 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, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python + OR Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 2+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python + OR equivalent experience. + 2+ years experience in Linux or Windows kernel development, Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK), or systems programming, including kernel or driver-level contributions and low-level performance optimization. + 2+ years experience designing and developing reliable software systems, with a track record of shipping products or services and applying sound system design principles. + 2+ years experience collaborating across partner teams or with external vendors, demonstrating initiative and a drive to deliver impactful solutions. Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 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 $131,400 - $215,400 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 Microsoft will accept applications for the role until July 30th, 2025. \#azurecorejobs Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .