Job Details
Posted date: Aug 04, 2025
Category: Software Engineering
Location: Redmond, WA
Estimated salary: $188,900
Range: $119,800 - $258,000
Employment type: Full-Time
Travel amount: 25.0%
Work location type: Up to 50% work from home
Role: Individual Contributor
Description
Technology is the canvas for the next wave of human creativity and progress. At Microsoft Creative Technology, part of the Microsoft Research Accelerator, we leverage the world’s leading scientific research to deliver state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), cloud computing, real-time graphics, generative AI, Extended Reality (XR), computational media, creative and media tools, and other emerging domains—technologies that revolutionize the human condition. Our mission is to empower every person and organization—artists, dreamers, researchers, developers and innovators—to imagine, build, and share experiences that inspire, educate, and connect.As a Creative Technology Development Lead, you will architect, research, and deliver scientifically-grounded, high-impact prototypes and solutions. You will lead the end-to-end technical execution—designing robust architectures, conducting empirical evaluation, and implementing scalable systems across state-of-the-art AI/ML, generative AI, cloud computing, real-time graphics, XR, computational media, and creative media tools. You’ll collaborate with engineers, designers, researchers, and storytellers to translate breakthrough research into accessible experiences. You will also lead hypothesis-driven research and experimental design, with opportunities to document, publish, and present your findings in internal and external venues—including journals, conferences, patents, and technical talks—and engage actively with the scientific and developer communities through open-source contributions and collaborative forums. Our team values scientific rigor, creativity, technical depth, and a culture of experimentation, all while prioritizing personal well-being and growth.
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.
In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.
Drive the end-to-end technical execution for innovative, research-driven projects, including architecture, experimental design, rapid prototyping, and delivery. Lead cross-disciplinary engineering teams and mentor technical talent, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and collaborative innovation. Break complex engineering problems into actionable sprints, strategically aligning team efforts to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions. Cultivate engineering excellence by implementing bug-tracking workflows, sprint planning, and iterative development cycles grounded in data and customer feedback. Formulate and test scientific hypotheses, design rigorous experiments, and analyze results to drive iterative development. Disseminate research and technical insights through publications, patents, conference presentations, technical blogs, and open-source contributions, engaging with the scientific and developer communities. Collaborate closely across disciplines—engineering, design, research, media, and product—to translate scientific discoveries into compelling, accessible experiences. Drive hands-on development on state-of-the-art AI/ML, generative AI, cloud computing, real-time graphics, XR, computational media, creative and media tools, and other emerging domains; ensure robust, scalable, and high-quality outcomes grounded in rigorous research. Design and implement data-driven evaluation frameworks to measure impact, inform iteration, and validate hypotheses. Champion experimentation and innovation: pilot bold ideas, iterate rapidly, integrate multidisciplinary feedback, and document learnings. Communicate technical vision, research methodology, and progress clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Contribute to the evolution of our team’s methodologies and best practices, promoting well-being, flexibility, and a global-first ethos. Embody our culture and values.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related scientific or technical discipline AND 4+ years professional software development experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Python, C, C++, C#, Java, or JavaScript OR equivalent experience.Familiarity with one or multiple of the following technologies: state-of-the-art AI/ML systems, generative AI, cloud computing, real-time graphics, XR, computational media and/or creative and media tools.Advanced proficiency in one or multiple technologies: Azure, Python, React TS, NoSQL, Cosmos DB, .Net, and/or AI technologies such as LLMs, semantic embeddings, search, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation).4+ years of experience in Python and Web development (JavaScript, ReactJS, node, html).Preferred Qualifications:
Passion for creativity and scientific inquiry—evidenced through professional achievements or personal projects, with well-rounded interests demonstrating a creative and analytical mindset. Demonstrated experience building, integrating, or extending media, creative, or visualization tools (e.g., video, audio, 3D, interactive experiences). Proven experience leading hypothesis-driven research, experimental design, and data-driven iteration. Experience architecting and delivering prototypes or products at scale for broad or diverse audiences, grounded in empirical research and user data.Demonstrated ability to apply research methodologies and data-driven approaches to validate concepts and inform strategic decisions. Experience working at the intersection of research and development, innovation-focused, or creative technology teams.Track record of mentoring, coaching, or growing technical and creative talent in research-oriented environments. Demonstrated impact through high-profile publications, patents, or open-source contributions, along with active participation in the scientific and developer communities via conferences, workshops, or collaborative research.Proven scientific and technical writing skills, including the ability to create clear, concise documentation and present to diverse audiences.Portfolio of prototypes, publications, open-source projects, etc. 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 $158,400 - $258,000 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
Microsoft will accept applications for the role until August 18, 2025.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.
Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
#Research
Check out other jobs at Microsoft.