Responsibilities
- 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
Requirements
- 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
- Experience with packaging, deployment, signing, Store submission, and operating system integration
- 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
Nice to Have
- 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
Additional Information
- Availability: Contractor (40 hours per week)
- 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).
