(Contract) Windows Application Developer - Partner Engineer

Support ISV partners with packaging, publishing, and onboarding applications into the Microsoft Store

Resolve technical blockers related to installers, Store dependencies, Windows Update, drivers, policies, and OS-level integrations

Help partners adopt the right architecture across Win32, .NET, UWP, WebView2, PWA, MSIX, and unpackaged app models

Build small tools, sample apps, sandbox environments, and reference implementations to reproduce and solve partner issues

Create proof-of-concepts without touching client codebases

Deliver targeted fixes across packaging workflows, SDK usage, and publishing processes

Work across Microsoft teams including Windows Store, WinGet, Copilot, and platform engineering groups

Identify the right internal stakeholders, escalate technical blockers, and drive solutions across siloed teams

Support high-priority partner escalations in fast-moving, cross-functional environments

Create technical guides, internal playbooks, and reusable reference implementations based on partner learnings

Document packaging best practices and onboarding standards for Microsoft teams and ISV partners

Help establish scalable technical guidance for future partner onboarding

Support outreach efforts to software vendors not yet publishing in the Microsoft Store

Help qualify leads, follow up with ISVs, and support partner adoption initiatives

5+ years of experience working with Windows applications and desktop software distribution

Strong understanding of installers, drivers, OS-level APIs, software packaging, and Windows platform integrations

Experience across Win32, .NET, UWP, WebView2, PWAs, or similar desktop architectures

Background working at companies that ship and distribute commercial software products

Exposure to packaging, deployment, signing, Store submission, and operating system integration

Experience only building internal business systems is not enough for this role

Ability to independently reproduce issues, create sandbox environments, and build reference implementations

Strong problem-solving skills across low-level platform issues and technical ambiguity

Comfortable working directly with clients and senior engineers

Able to explain technical tradeoffs clearly and drive solutions proactively

Strong ownership mindset with a bias toward action

Experience with MSIX, unpackaged apps, Xbox-to-Windows migration, PWA packaging, and Windows Store publishing

Familiarity with installer technologies such as WiX

Experience with GitHub Actions, SDK fixes, and CI publishing workflows

Data pipeline literacy (Spark, Fabric, large-scale systems)

Experience using AI tools like Copilot for prototyping and workflow acceleration

Previous Microsoft experience is a strong plus

(*) SOUTHWORKS only hires individuals from countries that are not blocked or sanctioned by the United States, including those identified on the United States Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC).