Role overview

About this role

Overview

Help deliver one of the best foundational models in the world at Microsoft AI.

At Microsoft AI, we are on a mission to train the world’s most capable AI frontier models, pushing the boundaries of scale, performance and product deployment. The Pre-Training team at Microsoft AI tackles some of the most challenging problems in deep learning at scale. As a team, we will deliver one of the best foundation models in the world, forming the foundation of many initiatives across Microsoft AI.

We are looking for outstanding individuals excited about contributing to the next generation of systems that will transform the field. We are looking for candidates who:

Have proven expertise in areas of interest, evidenced by an exceptional publication track record and significant technical leadership in high-impact projects
Exhibit strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to data-driven decision-making
Have experience and/or in-depth understandings about large-scale distributed systems
Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, innovative environment

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Starting January 26, 2026, MAI employees are expected to work from a designated Microsoft office at least four days a week if they live within 50 miles (U.S.) or 25 miles (non-U.S., country-specific) of that location. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.

This role is part of Microsoft AI's Superintelligence Team. The MAIST is a startup-like team inside Microsoft AI, created to push the boundaries of AI toward Humanist Superintelligence—ultra-capable systems that remain controllable, safety-aligned, and anchored to human values. Our mission is to create AI that amplifies human potential while ensuring humanity remains firmly in control. We aim to deliver breakthroughs that benefit society—advancing science, education, and global well-being.We’re also fortunate to partner with incredible product teams giving our models the chance to reach billions of users and create immense positive impact. If you’re a brilliant, highly-ambitious and low ego individual, you’ll fit right in—come and join us as we work on our next generation of models!

Responsibilities

Develop algorithms, model architectures, data mixtures, and scaling laws for large-scale training using a rigorous data-driven approach grounded in meticulous ablations
Drive algorithmic implementations, conduct experiments, and oversee flagship training runs on our in-house large-scale distributed stack
Collaborate closely with teams on infrastructure, data, post-training, and multimodality
Embody our culture and values.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, or related technical discipline AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
OR Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
OR equivalent experience.
Demonstrated experience in large-scale AI.
Passionate about conversational AI and its deployment.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other engineers.
Passion for learning new technologies and staying up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in AI.
Proven ability to collaborate and contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment, fostering knowledge sharing and growth within the team.

Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $160,200 - $261,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

Pre-Training

About this role

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