Microsoft Software Development Engineer In Test (SDET) I reviews

Opportunities for remote work are slim for SDEs and SDETs. Almost all of the product development happens in Redmond and if you can't live there, you're out of it (if you want to know why I no longer work at MS, this is the reason: I had to move out of the country for family reasons and did not find a way to continue my work with product teams and did not want to go back to the field). Also, you need to be a person that can manage your own time -- if you don't, you will get exhausted and be overworked. However, if you can manage that, you will be fine with 40-45 hour weeks in reasonable pressure. From what I have heard, teams can vary very much and (like in any large org) if you land under a poor manager, you are in trouble. Also, the MS field organization is a very different place and anything I say here does not apply for any of the subsidiaries (had some bad experience there)

Microsoft attracts a large amount of very, very driven and focused people who work very hard, you will have to work very hard to meet the curve that is needed to see good bonuses and fast promotion. Working in a remote office for Microsoft can also be a downsize. Redmond is the beating heart of Microsoft and this can sometimes show through lesser facilities at remote offices. Politics as with any large company can slow progress on projects which can be frustraiting at times. Your ability to speak freely without bias around Microsoft products and services can also a downside.