About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Backend Engineer focused on developing APIs for Microsoft's AI assistant, Copilot. You'll work in a collaborative environment to enhance user engagement and retention through feature development and infrastructure optimization. It's an individual contributor role with a strong emphasis on coding and teamwork.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have experience in backend development, particularly with APIs, and thrive in fast-paced, collaborative settings. A background in consumer product development and familiarity with data analysis will be beneficial.

Worth noting

The position requires in-office work three days a week, with an expectation to increase to four days by 2026. The emphasis on a positive team culture and collaboration may appeal to those looking for a supportive work environment.

Overview

Microsoft AI is looking for a talented Backend engineer to help build the next wave of capabilities of our personalized AI assistant, Copilot. We’re looking for someone who will bring an abundance of positive energy, empathy, and kindness to the team every day, in addition to being highly effective. The right candidate enjoys building world-class consumer experiences and products in a fast-paced environment. The Growth engineering team is responsible for user acquisition, engagement, retention, and feature development that drives rapid growth, while collaborating with our Product Management, Design, Data Scientists, and AI Research teams to deliver impactful results.

Our newly formed organization, Microsoft AI (MAI), is dedicated to advancing Copilot and other consumer AI products and research. The team is responsible for Copilot, Bing, Edge, and generative AI research. Come be a part of the team shaping the future personal computing.

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. Mountain View, CA position, you are required to be local to the San Francisco area and in office 3 days a week. 

Starting January 26, 2026, MAI employees are expected to work from a designated Microsoft office at least four days a week if they live within 50 miles (U.S.) or 25 miles (non-U.S., country-specific) of that location. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.

Responsibilities

Build secure and performant APIs that power Copilot iOS and Android apps.
Work collaboratively with our iOS, Android engineers, Product Managers, platform engineers, data scientists and marketing to take ambiguous projects that drive user growth, engagement, and retention. This includes optimizing onboarding flows, improving product features, and delivering scalable infrastructure.
Ship high-quality, well-tested, secure, and maintainable code.
Find a path to get things done despite roadblocks to get your work into the hands of users quickly and iteratively.
Enjoy working in a fast-paced, design-driven, product development cycle.
Partner closely with data science teams to analyze user behavior to optimize product features and drive user engagement.
Embody our Culture and Values.

Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

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 equivalent experience.

Additional or preferred qualifications

Master'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 Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.

Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 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 $158,400 - $258,000 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

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $274,800 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 $188,000 - $304,200 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

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.

Skills & Tags

ai backend product

Aplyr's read

Microsoft is a technology giant shaping global computing, attracting talent interested in innovation and impact across software, cloud, and AI sectors.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Strong commitment to innovation in AI and cloud computing.
•Diverse range of roles from technical to managerial, offering career growth.
•Financially stable with a robust global presence and market influence.

What to watch

•Complex organizational structure can slow decision-making processes.
•High competition for roles may limit entry-level opportunities.
•Potential for work-life balance challenges in high-demand positions.

Why Microsoft

•Pioneer in personal and business computing with a legacy of innovation.
•Extensive global reach with a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.
•Leader in integrating AI into mainstream software and cloud services.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Microsoft

Microsoft

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MSFT$499.99+0.03%

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products, services, and devices. Known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, Microsoft has a significant impact on personal and business computing worldwide.