How to hire a windows software engineer

How to hire a windows software engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step windows software engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a windows software engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new windows software engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a windows software engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect windows software engineer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of windows software engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Windows Software Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Windows Software Engineer	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device... Show more	$37-67
   Engineer	Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects... Show more	$31-62
   Software Developer	A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems... Show more	$32-54

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Java
   • Software Development
   • Python
   • PowerShell
   • C
   • C++
   • API
   • OS
   • JavaScript
   • C Net
   • CSS
   • Debugging
   • HTML
   • UI

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Deliver a fully functional customer facing J2EE application while managing a team of developers.
   • Programme in a variety of languages including, Java, C/C++ and Linux scripting.
   • Determine root cause of lines of code in error on assign bugs by debugging into crash dump and inside live debugger.
   • Participate in the design and development of a prototype relational database system; are responsible for SQL processor/optimizer and query parsing.
   • Design and develop artificial intelligent - fundamental skills tutors in both math and science including development of graphical ecological system.

   More windows software engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your windows software engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A windows software engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, windows software engineers' average salary in hawaii is 42% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level windows software engineers earn 44% less than senior-level windows software engineers.
   • Certifications. A windows software engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a windows software engineer's salary.

   Average windows software engineer salary

   $105,545yearly

   $50.74 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level windows software engineer salary

   $79,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average windows software engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$145,368	$70
   2	Washington	$130,688	$63
   3	Oregon	$125,047	$60
   4	Pennsylvania	$113,279	$54
   5	New York	$103,248	$50
   6	District of Columbia	$101,835	$49
   7	Colorado	$101,290	$49
   8	Texas	$91,617	$44
   9	Maryland	$88,322	$42
   10	Arkansas	$87,084	$42
   11	Michigan	$85,958	$41
   12	Ohio	$85,174	$41
   13	Kansas	$84,656	$41

   Average windows software engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Apple	$141,331	$67.95	685
   2	Okta	$124,125	$59.68	29
   3	Zoom Video Communications	$118,857	$57.14
   4	ConstructConnect	$112,593	$54.13
   5	VMware	$108,183	$52.01	1
   6	Centrify	$102,545	$49.30
   7	QOMPLX	$101,667	$48.88
   8	ZOOM+Care	$101,634	$48.86	44
   9	nok nok	$101,573	$48.83
   10	Dtex	$101,514	$48.80	2
   11	Datrose	$100,559	$48.35
   12	NTT Europe Ltd	$99,099	$47.64	53
   13	MEDHOST	$95,107	$45.72
   14	Idexcel	$93,521	$44.96	20
   15	DCS	$93,175	$44.80
   16	Northrop Grumman	$92,796	$44.61	339

4. Writing a windows software engineer job description

   A good windows software engineer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a windows software engineer job description:

   Windows software engineer job description example

   Job Description BAE Systems, a top-ten prime contractor to the U.S. Department of Defense, enables the U.S. government to transform data into intelligence and provides engineering, integration and sustainment support for critical military platforms and systems. Intelligence & Security provides services and products to the Department of Defense, the government, federal law enforcement officials, and troops deployed around the world.
   
   At BAE Systems, we promote a strong, collaborative culture and provide our employees with the tools, skills and training they need to succeed. We are all about trust, camaraderie and a shared ambition to lead the world in defense technologies and national security services. We offer flexible work environment to support the balance in your life and keep you performing at your best. Be a part of a company that is part of the community; driven to improve our future and protect our freedom.
   
   We are looking for experienced System Engineers to join our technology-based program supporting a key government customer. This program delivers Enterprise Computing engineering services with modern technology solutions with that function both on customer premise, and via remote Cloud services. As a mission-focused Administrator that solves problems on the program, you will be expected to: Recognize the issue(s), Identify the facts, Define additional data that would be helpful, Make assumptions as necessary, Determine alternative approaches, Evaluate alternatives, Make recommendations, Alter assumptions and rework solutions, and Reflect on lessons learned.
   CBLT-03
   
   Required Education, Experience, & Skills Software engineer will provide a full-range of network, server, and workstation support for a diverse client base. Remotely troubleshooting client issues or being onsite at a client office, providing superior IT customer service. Strong knowledge of desktop operating systems and productivity software (MS Office, Visio, PowerPoint, Adobe). In-depth knowledge of Windows Server Operating Systems, Group Policies, Active Directory, Office 365, and Exchange. Advanced understanding of IP networking. Thorough knowledge of Switches, Routers, and Firewalls.
   
   We are actively seeking candidates with a minimum of 6 years' experience, and a range of skill levels from basic to advanced.
   
   Bachelor's or Master's Degree are preferred in one or more of the disciplines described below where specific skills may include the following…
   
   * Analyzing and troubleshooting software application and network component issues.
   * Performing technical evaluations of client computing software, hardware, and management solutions
   * Operating systems installation, configuration, and maintenance on Windows servers and desktops.
   * Developing automated and documented processes and procedures to simplify operational activities
   * Scripting and orchestration: PowerShell, VB Scripts, and Ansible
   * Managing software/patch deployment configurations for standard OS and applications, ensure patching compliance
   * Developing design and operational documents for supported applications
   * Providing technical support to applications and utility developers regarding integration into the operating environment
   * Collaborating with management, engineering, and internal customers
   
   Required Skills
   
   * C#
   * Powershell
   * Java
   * Angular
   * Server 2016
   * Windows 10
   * WSUS Server
   * DNS, DFS, and DHCP
   * Active Directory (including software deployment) and administration of Group Policy (GPOs)
   * Experience with Server and Software upgrades
   * Experience with Amazon Cloud
   * Strong verbal communication and documentation skills
   
   Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
   
   * Previous experience in Dev and Ops
   * Deploying/managing servers in AWS environment
   
   About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels. At BAE Systems, we celebrate the array of skills, experiences, and perspectives our employees bring to the table. For us, differences are a source of strength. We're laser-focused on high performance, and we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where all employees can innovate and thrive. Here, you will not only build your career, but you will also enjoy work-life balance, uncover new experiences, and collaborate with passionate colleagues.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right windows software engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your windows software engineer job on Zippia to find and attract quality windows software engineer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit windows software engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   Sometimes, it's not enough to interview windows software engineer candidates, so you can ask them to do a test project. If you are not a technical person and don't know what a test project should be, you can use these websites:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new windows software engineer

   Once you've found the windows software engineer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new windows software engineer first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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