Overview
The next generation of intelligent map experiences is being shaped at the intersection of geospatial systems, high-performance rendering, and AI — and we are building the platforms that power it.
The Maps Rendering team at Microsoft AI is redefining how the physical world is visualized, understood, and consumed across Bing, Copilot, and emerging intelligent platforms. We build high-performance rendering systems that transform massive geospatial datasets—including roads, imagery, terrain, and places—into rich, interactive map experiences used by millions of people and increasingly by AI-driven systems.
As a Software Engineer II (IC3), you will contribute to the core rendering stack that powers maps, spatial visualization, and evolving geospatial intelligence at global scale. You will work across UX, distributed systems, and data pipelines, helping bring real-world context into digital experiences and enabling systems that make spatial data more accessible and actionable.
This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of:
- Maps & Geospatial systems
- Rendering Pipelines and Visualization
- Large-scale, high-volume, low-latency Distributed Services
- AI and Agent enabled spatial services
If you’re excited about turning complex spatial data into intuitive, high-quality visual experiences—and enabling intelligent systems to better understand the physical world—this role offers both impact and growth.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We bring a growth mindset, collaborate to deliver meaningful innovation, and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
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.
Responsibilities
- Build and evolve components of the maps rendering pipeline (tile generation, data processing, visualization services).
- Develop features that improve map quality, performance, and responsiveness across platforms.
- Work with large-scale geospatial datasets (vector tiles, imagery, places) to deliver accurate and consistent experiences.
- Contribute to systems that make spatial data accessible for AI-driven experiences.
- Collaborate with engineers and partners to deliver scoped features end-to-end.
- Contribute to component-level design, task breakdown, effort estimation and engineering execution.
- Ensure reliability, scalability, and observability; participate as on-call/DRI for service monitoring and issue resolution.
- Debug and resolve issues across distributed systems and data pipelines.
- Write clean, maintainable code with a focus on reuse, efficiency, and engineering best practices.
- Stay current with evolving technologies and apply learnings to improve system performance, reliability, and development practices.
Qualifications
**Required 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.
**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 Qualification:
Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field **AND **3+ 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 **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 building scalable backend systems or rendering/data pipelines.
Familiarity with maps, geospatial systems, or spatial data concepts.
Exposure to rendering technologies (e.g., tile systems, WebGL, visualization frameworks).
Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure) and distributed services.
Interest or experience in AI/ML or LLM-powered applications.
Experience debugging large-scale, high-availability systems.
Strong fundamentals in data structures, algorithms, and system design.
#MicrosoftAI
#mai
#places
#bing
#rendering
#geospatial
#grounding
Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 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 $133,800 - $219,200 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.**