Microsoft AI is looking for a Member of Technical Staff – Reinforcement Learning Systems to help build the world’s most advanced reinforcement learning systems. We are responsible for designing, developing, and operating the large-scale reinforcement learning systems that power several use cases – from training trustworthy and capable agents and powerful reasoning models to helpful and conversational assistants.
We are looking for individuals who can contribute to cutting-edge research and help bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and robust, production-grade distributed systems. The ideal candidate has both distributed systems expertise and a scientific mindset and will be able to build complex and scalable systems from the ground up, identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, debug complex, cross-system issues with extremely high attention to detail, and contribute to solving scientific and research challenges. Specifically, they should:
Excel in programming (especially parallel/concurrent and distributed), software engineering, and system design
Have experience in large-scale systems, preferably having built some components from scratch.
Thrive in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment
Have a high degree of craftsmanship and pay close attention to details
Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and can adjust to shifting priorities
A background in machine learning is preferred but not required. In this case, candidates must demonstrate they have an ability to quickly learn the subject, and backgrounds in mathematics, competitive programming, and related domains are a plus.
Microsoft AI, is dedicated to advancing Copilot and other consumer AI products and research. The team is responsible for Copilot, Bing, Edge, and generative AI research. Come be a part of the team shaping the future personal computing.
This role is part of Microsoft AI. Our team is a startup-like organization within Microsoft, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, responsibility, and human values.
Our mission is to build AI that amplifies human potential and empowers people around the world. We strive to deliver breakthroughs that advance science, education, productivity, 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!
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.
Responsibilities
Develop and tune the pretraining scalable software for Nvidia GB200 72NVL CX8 and AMD MIxxx architectures.
Benchmark GB200 and AMD MIxxx GPU clusters.
Gather data and insights to develop the pretraining compute roadmap.
Care deeply about conversational AI and its deployment.
Actively contribute to the development of AI models that are powering our innovative products.
Find a path to get things done despite roadblocks to get your work into the hands of users quickly and iteratively.
Enjoy working in a fast-paced, design-driven, product development cycle.
Embody our Culture and Values
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 equivalent experience.
- 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 Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
- OR equivalent experience.
- Experience with generative AI.
- Experience with distributed computing.
- Experience in leading technical projects and supporting architectural decisions with data.
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
Software Engineering IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165,600 - $296,400 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 $220,800 - $331,200 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field OR equivalent experience
- 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
- Strong programming skills in parallel/concurrent and distributed systems
- Software engineering and system design expertise for large-scale systems
- Experience building or operating large-scale GPU cluster software (NVIDIA GB200, AMD MIxxx) and benchmarking GPU clusters
- Ability to debug complex cross-system performance and reliability issues with attention to detail
- Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced, product-driven environment and manage shifting priorities
- Background in machine learning, mathematics, or related domains (ability to learn ML quickly)
- Experience with generative AI
- Experience with distributed computing
- Experience leading technical projects and supporting architectural decisions with data
- Master's Degree in Computer Science or related field and 8+ years experience OR Bachelor's with 12+ years experience (preferred senior level)
Microsoft Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Microsoft and has not been reviewed or approved by Microsoft.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is presented as broadly competitive overall, with clear role/level/location variation and an emphasis on using posted ranges and band information for apples-to-apples comparisons.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are described as a standout, highlighted by a strong 401(k) match structure and immediate vesting, plus additional plan features for tax-advantaged saving.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented benefits are portrayed as a meaningful strength, with substantial paid parental leave and added supports like back-up care and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
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