Software Engineer II - Firmware + Audio
Microsoft
Are you passionate about creating cutting-edge devices? Surface Team is dedicated to building powerful devices that empower individuals and organizations. We’re currently working on the next generation of Surface products, and we need talented engineers like you! We are seeking a passionate and technically skilled engineer to lead the development of AI/GenAI-powered solutions in the Audio domain on embedded platforms. This role will focus on building intelligent, on-device capabilities that leverage multimodal Audio sub-system to deliver real-time, best in class audio experiences. Collaborate with electrical engineers, system engineers, UX designers, software architects, and fellow firmware engineers to define our product roadmap. 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
- Experience in creating Windows-based device drivers
- Develop and maintain Audio driver and firmware components for Surface devices.
- Collaborate with hardware, OS, and security teams to deliver reliable and secure firmware.
- Debug and resolve issues across firmware, drivers, and hardware interfaces.
- Contribute to platform bring-up, power management, and boot-time optimizations.
- Participate in code reviews and maintain high standards for code quality and documentation.
- Continuously learn and apply best practices in firmware development and system integration.
- Contributions to open-source projects or publications in embedded AI.
- Effective verbal and written communication, from block diagrams to low-level C/asm code explanations.
- Ability to plan work and adjust as needed in a dynamic environment.
- Capability to understand and integrate technical concepts across various disciplines.
- Motivated and self-driven attitude.
Qualifications
- 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.
- 3+ years of experience in system software or firmware development.
- Proficiency in C/C++ and familiarity with Audio sub-system development.
- Exposure to UEFI specification and experience in ACPI and ASL programming and debugging.
- Experience with debugging tools such as JTAG, serial consoles, and logic analyzers.
- Understanding of computer architecture and hardware interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB).
- Experience with debugging tools and techniques for low-level software.Exposure to UEFI spec.Preferred Qualifications:
- 4+ years of experience in system software or firmware development.
- Experience with ARM or x86 platforms.
- Exposure to AI workloads or AI-accelerated hardware and understanding of how firmware can support AI features on modern devices.
- Familiarity with Windows OS internals.
- Exposure to secure boot, measured boot, or firmware security concepts.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.ACPI and ASL programming and debug
- Debugging tools like JTAG.#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.