Software Engineer II

Overview

Do you want to shape the AI revolution inside databases? At SQL IDC, our Query Processing & Vector team builds the brains of Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL—so intelligent apps run faster at PB-scale with high availability and elasticity. We’re shipping native vector capabilities and DiskANN-based indexes, plus Intelligent Query Processing that adapts automatically. You’ll tackle optimization, execution, storage, distributed systems—and real AI integration. If you’re curious, collaborative, and want impact, come build with us.

Your Mission

Integrate AI with relational databases: Enable customers to run intelligent applications that process petabytes of data efficiently and extract deep insights using their choice of AI models.

Deliver innovation in vector database support: Ship features like native vector data types, DiskANN-based indexes for high-performance similarity search, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) scenarios.

Advance query optimization and execution: Own and enhance components such as the Query Optimizer, Query Execution engine, and adaptive features like automatic index tuning and Degree of Parallelism (DOP) feedback.

Solve challenging technical problems: Tackle issues across database technology stacks—programming languages, distributed systems, storage, and AI integration.

Drive customer impact: Ensure every query runs efficiently, securely, and reliably, supporting high availability, elasticity, and predictable performance for mission-critical workloads.

Responsibilities

What you’ll do:

Design and implement new features for intelligent query processing and adaptive databases.

Build and optimize vector search capabilities, including support for embeddings and advanced indexing.

Collaborate with a diverse, high-performing team to deliver innovation and operational excellence.

Engage in cross-team initiatives, code reviews, and mentoring, contributing to a culture of learning and growth.

Work closely with product, research, and customer teams to shape the future of data and AI integration.

Impact

Your work will directly influence how enterprises worldwide build intelligent, AI-powered applications—making data smarter, faster, and more accessible.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 5+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience
• Experience in building systems (Database systems /Distributed Systems, etc..)
  
  

Preferred/Additional Qualifications

• Understanding of databases, query processing in general is preferred.
  
  

Job Requirements: Other & Additional

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.
  
  

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form (Accessibility | Microsoft Careers).

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

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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.