Senior Software Engineer - Backend

Senior Software Engineer - Backend | Microsoft Careers Skip to main content Microsoft Careers Careers Careers Search Search jobs Sign in Single PositionView All JobsSenior Software Engineer - BackendCanada, British Columbia, VancouverApply nowAdd to cartFind out how well you match with this jobUpload your resumeJob descriptionCompany and benefitsJob number200040171Date postedJul 21, 2026Work site4 days / week in-officeTravelLess than 25%ProfessionSoftware EngineeringDisciplineSoftware EngineeringRole typeIndividual ContributorEmployment typeFull-TimeOverviewAt the core of Microsoft Ads is a mission-critical, high-throughput real-time bidding (RTB) platform. It processes millions of auction requests per second, executes complex auction logic under strict latency constraints, and directly impacts revenue, win rate, partner satisfaction, and platform reliability.This role owns core architectural and technical evolution of the platform, focusing on modernization, performance, scalability, experimentation infrastructure, and operational excellence. The position requires deep expertise in low-latency distributed systems, solid leadership in large-scale refactoring and platform modernization, and close collaboration across engineering, data science, experimentation, and business stakeholders.The engineer in this role drives initiatives with company-level impact, ensuring our platform can continue to scale, evolve, and support future Microsoft Ads growth.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.  Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.ResponsibilitiesOwn technical direction and execution for core components, a high-scale, latency-sensitive real-time bidding service at the heart of Microsoft Ads.Lead design and implementation of scalable, high-performance backend systems operating under strict latency and reliability requirements.Drive platform modernization and long-term sustainability of critical services, improving code quality, maintainability, and operational safety.Ensure performance, scalability, and stability of the service as traffic, data volume, and business requirements continue to grow.Define and evolve instrumentation, observability, and experimentation capabilities to support data-driven decision making and safe production changes.Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners (engineering, data science, experimentation, product, and infrastructure) to align technical solutions with business goals.Provide technical leadership and mentorship, influencing architecture decisions and engineering best practices across teams.QualificationsRequired 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 PythonOR equivalent experience.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 PythonOR 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,...