UX Engineer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Engineer II

Company: Microsoft

Location: Redmond, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX Engineering / Product Design

Date Posted: January 13, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on bridging the gap between design and engineering, leveraging a strong command of coding to prototype and define novel interaction patterns for AI-powered experiences.

• The UX Engineer II will be instrumental in translating high-fidelity design concepts into functional, performant, and scalable solutions within the Microsoft Security domain.

• A key aspect of this position involves simplifying complex Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities into intuitive, human-centered workflows that empower users.

• The position demands a proactive approach to exploring emerging frameworks and prototyping tools, ensuring Microsoft Security UX remains at the forefront of generative AI innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a UX Engineer, emphasizing a hybrid skill set of design craft and engineering execution, rather than a traditional Software Engineer or Product Designer. The "II" designation typically implies a mid-level position requiring around 2-5 years of relevant experience, with a focus on contributing to complex projects and demonstrating growing autonomy. The emphasis on "agentic experiences" and "AI-native experiences" signals a forward-looking role within Microsoft's security product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Shape the frontier of user experience by prototyping and defining new interaction patterns for agentic and AI-driven experiences within the security domain.

• Design in code by creating functional prototypes and experimental interfaces that effectively demonstrate the potential and usability of AI-native security solutions.

• Bridge the critical gap between design and engineering by collaborating closely with product management and engineering teams to translate Figma concepts into performant, scalable, and high-quality implemented solutions.

• Simplify complex AI capabilities and advanced features into clear, intuitive, and empowering workflows, ensuring users feel in control rather than overwhelmed by security tools.

• Elevate overall craft and design excellence through a strong focus on systems thinking, meticulous interaction detail, and the thoughtful application of emerging UX frameworks.

• Prototype responsibly by moving with speed to explore new ideas while grounding all experiments in Microsoft's core principles of trust, privacy, and long-term user value.

• Maintain a culture of continuous learning and curiosity by actively exploring new AI and agentic paradigms, frameworks, and prototyping tools to keep Microsoft Security UX at the cutting edge of the GenAI revolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight an expectation for proactive contribution to innovation and a deep understanding of translating cutting-edge AI concepts into practical, user-friendly interfaces. The emphasis on "security domain" and "AI-native experiences" indicates a specialized focus within Microsoft's broader UX engineering efforts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 2+ years of experience working in product or service design, or in shipping production-level code.

Required Skills:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Demonstrated ability to create detailed wireframes (low and high fidelity) and polished design prototypes. Proficiency in translating Figma concepts into functional code.

• Collaboration & Communication: Effective interpersonal communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design and technical concepts clearly to cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering, Design).

• Technical Proficiency: Experience in shipping production code or building functional prototypes that showcase innovative interaction patterns, particularly for AI-native experiences.

• Problem Solving: Creative and holistic problem-solving capabilities with a sharp eye for detail, especially when working through ambiguity and complex technical challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced UX Engineering: 5+ years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced, cutting-edge technology environment, with a portfolio showcasing significant contributions.

• System Thinking & Design Principles: Ability to apply established design principles and interaction patterns, and experience utilizing design component libraries and pattern systems.

• Information Architecture & Usability: Demonstrated breadth of knowledge and practical application in information architecture and usability testing.

• AI & LLM Expertise: Direct experience designing for Artificial Intelligence, with a strong understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their implications for user interfaces.

• Security Domain Knowledge: Prior experience or a strong understanding of the Security domain and its unique user needs and challenges.

• Inclusive Design: Awareness of inclusive design principles and how they align with Microsoft's mission to empower all users.

• Agile & Ambiguity Navigation: Capability to work effectively through ambiguity, navigate design tradeoffs, and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Qualifications" clearly state a Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience, or equivalent. The "Preferred Qualifications" indicate a desire for more extensive experience (5+ years) and specific domain knowledge (Security, AI/LLMs), suggesting that candidates with these attributes will be more competitive. The emphasis on "shipping production code" alongside design work is a key differentiator for UX Engineers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Impact: Showcase projects that clearly illustrate your impact on product development, from concept to implementation, focusing on innovation and user-centricity.

• Code-Based Prototypes: Include examples of functional prototypes or experimental interfaces built with code that demonstrate novel interaction patterns, especially those involving AI or complex systems.

• Design-to-Code Translation: Provide case studies detailing your process of translating Figma or other design artifacts into performant, scalable code solutions, highlighting collaboration with engineering.

• Problem-Solving Examples: Present specific examples of how you've tackled complex design and technical challenges, particularly those involving ambiguity or novel technical paradigms.

• AI/LLM Integration: If possible, showcase projects related to AI or Large Language Models, demonstrating your understanding of their UX implications.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing intuitive workflows for complex AI capabilities, focusing on user empowerment and simplification.

• Implementation & Automation: Illustrate your process for ensuring seamless, high-quality implementation of UX designs, potentially involving custom components or frameworks.

• Measurement & Analysis: Describe how you measure the success of your prototypes and implemented features, focusing on user feedback, usability, and adoption metrics within the context of security products.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Engineer role, the portfolio is critical. It must demonstrate not just design thinking but also coding proficiency. The emphasis is on "design in code" and translating Figma concepts into "performant, scalable solutions." Candidates should prepare to walk through specific projects, detailing their technical contributions and the iterative process from ideation to implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Microsoft typically offers a comprehensive benefits package which may include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) with company match).
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Parental leave and family-friendly benefits.
  • Life insurance and disability coverage.
  • Employee assistance programs.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Stock options or other equity-based compensation.

Working Hours:

• The role is listed as full-time, which typically implies approximately 40 hours per week.

• While core hours may exist for collaboration, flexibility in work schedule is often a feature of roles at Microsoft, allowing for focus time and work-life balance, especially for engineers and designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary ranges are typical base pay and may not include bonuses, stock awards, or other forms of compensation, which are common at Microsoft for technical roles. Specific benefits can vary by location and employment status; candidates should refer to the provided link for detailed information. The base pay variation for SF Bay Area and NYC reflects the higher cost of living and market demand in those regions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software & Cloud Services), with a strong focus on Cybersecurity.

Company Size: Microsoft is a global technology leader, employing hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale offers vast opportunities for collaboration and impact.

Founded: 1975. Microsoft has a long history of innovation, evolving from personal computing to cloud computing and AI.

Team Structure:

• The immediate team is comprised of product designers, UX researchers, content designers, and technical writers, working in close partnership with Product Managers and Engineering teams.

• This role reports into a UX Engineering or Design leadership structure, with direct collaboration across multiple product groups within Microsoft Security.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using user research, telemetry, and A/B testing to inform design decisions and iterate on product experiences.

• Agile Development: Work is typically conducted within agile frameworks, requiring iterative development, frequent feedback loops, and adaptability to changing requirements.

• Systems Thinking: A focus on building coherent, scalable design systems and ensuring consistency across the product portfolio.

• Human-Centered Approach: Prioritizing user needs, empathy, and creating accessible, inclusive experiences.

Company Website: https://www.microsoft.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft's culture emphasizes a "growth mindset" and "inspiring excellence." For a UX Engineer, this translates to a high-performance environment that values continuous learning, innovation, and deep collaboration. The security domain adds an element of critical responsibility and a focus on trust and reliability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: UX Engineer II signifies a mid-level individual contributor role. This level typically involves taking ownership of significant features or components, contributing to design system enhancements, and mentoring junior engineers/designers.

Reporting Structure: This role will likely report to a UX Engineering Manager or a Design Lead within the Microsoft Security organization. Close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering teams is expected daily.

Operations Impact: The UX Engineer II plays a crucial role in translating Microsoft's vision for a safer digital world into tangible, user-friendly experiences. By bridging design and code, they directly influence the usability, adoption, and perceived value of Microsoft's security products, contributing significantly to customer trust and product success. The focus on AI-powered experiences positions this role at the forefront of technological advancement within the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/LLM UX, agentic systems, or specific security domain challenges, becoming a go-to expert.

• Leadership Progression: Advance to Senior UX Engineer or Principal UX Engineer roles, leading larger initiatives, mentoring teams, and influencing strategic design direction.

• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Transition into related roles such as Senior Product Designer, Senior Software Engineer, or even Product Management, leveraging the broad skill set gained.

• Learning & Development: Access to Microsoft's extensive internal training resources, external conferences, and opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation implies a path for growth. A successful UX Engineer II can expect to move into senior individual contributor roles or potentially management tracks, depending on their career aspirations. The emphasis on AI and security also presents opportunities to become a recognized expert in high-demand fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment designed for collaboration. Microsoft campuses are known for their modern facilities, amenities, and focus on employee well-being.

Office Location(s): Redmond, Washington, United States. This is Microsoft's global headquarters, a large, vibrant campus offering extensive resources and opportunities for networking.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect a mix of open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially private offices or quiet zones to support focused work and team interaction.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to state-of-the-art hardware, software, and development tools is standard at Microsoft. This includes high-performance workstations, multiple displays, and access to internal development platforms.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The environment fosters frequent interaction with peers across design, engineering, and product management, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas and rapid problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week), Microsoft often offers flexibility in daily working hours to accommodate individual productivity patterns and work-life balance, provided core collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond provides immersion in a hub of innovation and direct access to a vast network of technical talent. The environment is designed to facilitate both deep individual work and robust team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Technical Screen (Coding/Design): Expect a technical interview focusing on coding skills, prototyping capabilities, and potentially a live coding or design exercise.

• Portfolio Review & Deep Dive: A significant portion of the interview process will involve presenting your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your role, process, technical contributions, and the outcomes.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess your problem-solving approach, collaboration skills, ability to handle ambiguity, and understanding of design principles, AI, and security contexts.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to gauge collaboration style and technical alignment.

• Final Round: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or a design/engineering manager to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions (especially coding/prototyping), the design process, technical challenges overcome, and the impact achieved (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Code Contributions: Since this is a UX Engineer role, be explicit about the code you wrote, the tools and languages used, and how your code brought the design to life.

• Demonstrate AI/LLM Understanding: If you have relevant projects, showcase your understanding of how to design for AI, including considerations for prompt engineering, output interpretation, and user trust.

• Focus on Security Context: Frame your work within the lens of security challenges and user needs, demonstrating an understanding of the domain.

• Prepare for Ambiguity: Have examples ready of how you navigated unclear requirements or complex technical trade-offs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Live Coding/Prototyping: Practice building small, functional prototypes or coding solutions under time pressure. Familiarize yourself with common web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and potentially relevant frameworks.

• Design Problem Solving: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical design challenge, articulating your thought process from initial questions to potential solutions.

• System Thinking Exercises: Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing a complex system or improving an existing one, focusing on consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate practical coding skills alongside design thinking. The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both technical ability and collaborative potential within Microsoft's established frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma (explicitly mentioned), potentially Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch.

• Coding Languages: JavaScript (likely with frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular), HTML, CSS. Experience with C#, C++, or other relevant Microsoft technologies may be beneficial.

• Version Control: Git (e.g., GitHub, Azure Repos).

• Development Environments: Visual Studio, VS Code.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX integrates with product development lifecycles and potentially customer feedback systems is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly required. A strong foundation in modern front-end development technologies (JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and a relevant framework) is essential for the "design in code" aspect. Familiarity with Microsoft's internal development ecosystem (e.g., Azure DevOps, specific internal libraries) would be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges, learning from failures, and continuously seeking self-improvement.

• Inspiring Excellence: Striving for high-quality work, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in user experience.

• Customer Focus: Deeply understanding and empathizing with user needs, particularly in the critical area of digital security.

• Trust & Privacy: Upholding the highest standards of data protection and user privacy in all design and engineering decisions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines and teams to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close working relationships with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and Content Designers are the norm.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture that encourages regular feedback loops, design critiques, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in team meetings, design reviews, and internal forums to share best practices and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Microsoft emphasizes a culture of continuous learning and innovation. For a UX Engineer, this means being adaptable, open to feedback, and driven by a desire to create impactful, trustworthy products. The security domain adds a layer of responsibility and a focus on robustness and reliability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complexity: Translating advanced AI capabilities and intricate security features into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces requires significant creative problem-solving.

• Ambiguity in Emerging Tech: Working at the frontier of AI and agentic experiences means navigating a landscape with evolving paradigms, tools, and best practices.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Moving fast to innovate while ensuring the highest standards of trust, privacy, and technical execution for security products.

• Cross-Disciplinary Alignment: Effectively bridging the communication and execution gaps between design, product management, and engineering teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI/LLM Specialization: Gain deep expertise in designing for generative AI and large language models within a security context.

• Advanced Prototyping: Master cutting-edge prototyping tools and techniques for complex, interactive experiences.

• Security Domain Expertise: Develop a nuanced understanding of cybersecurity threats, user needs, and regulatory landscapes.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and be mentored by senior UX professionals and engineers within a world-class technology organization.

• Industry Exposure: Access to internal Microsoft events, training, and potentially external conferences to stay abreast of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around innovation in a complex and critical domain. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering the chance to become a leader in emergent fields like AI-driven UX and cybersecurity.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you designed in code." Prepare a detailed example showcasing a functional prototype you built, the problem it solved, the technologies used, and its impact.

• "How would you simplify a complex AI security feature for a non-technical user?" Practice articulating a design process for abstracting complex functionality into intuitive workflows, perhaps using analogies or simplified representations.

• "Describe your process for translating Figma designs into production-ready code." Be ready to discuss your collaboration with engineers, your understanding of design systems, and how you ensure fidelity and performance.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Microsoft Security?" Research the mission and current initiatives of Microsoft Security and articulate how your skills and interests align.

• "How do you handle ambiguity and shifting priorities?" Provide specific examples of how you've navigated uncertainty and adapted your approach.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role & Process -> Technical Execution (Code) -> Solution & Impact -> Learnings.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the specific code you wrote, the libraries you used, and the technical trade-offs you made.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data (e.g., user feedback scores, adoption rates, efficiency gains) to demonstrate the success of your work.

• AI/Security Focus: Tailor your project selection and discussion to highlight relevant experience in AI, LLMs, or security domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh practical application. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to both conceptualize and execute, with a strong emphasis on coding and problem-solving within the context of AI and security.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the official Microsoft Careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio (e.g., personal website, Behance, GitHub) to prominently feature projects demonstrating your UX engineering skills, especially those involving code-based prototypes, AI/LLMs, and ideally, security-related concepts.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in both UX design and front-end development, using keywords from the job description such as "UX Engineer," "prototyping," "AI," "LLM," "Figma," and specific programming languages. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and technical contributions using the STAR method. Prepare detailed walkthroughs of your portfolio projects, focusing on your coding involvement and problem-solving approaches.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft's mission, values, and specifically the goals and challenges of the Microsoft Security organization. Understand their focus on AI and creating a safer digital world.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.