Senior Research Software Engineer

Job ID: 200034594Posted: 2026-04-16Location: United States, Washington, RedmondSalary: USD $119,800 - $234,700 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: 3 days / week in-officeRole type: Individual ContributorTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Software EngineeringDiscipline: Software EngineeringCompany: MicrosoftOverviewMicrosoft Research (MSR) is a multidisciplinary global organization working to create scientific knowledge and deliver innovation that leads to positive human impact at scale. To envision and build the future, we work with our scientific, engineering, academic and business partners to use Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to impact economics, health and society.The Microsoft Research Americas Engineering team supports several MSR labs (Redmond, New England, New York City, and Montreal) and seeks an innovative and experienced Senior Research Software Engineer on the Agentic Experiences team to drive and contribute to a variety of research projects in various stages of research and productization. You will help deliver quality engineering solutions engaging in AI-native development methods, automation, and agentic workflows to design, build, evaluate, and ship software across Microsoft Research. You will collaborate with other engineers, researchers, and product teams to create innovative vision and drive high quality execution for high-impact and high-scale reach across all of Microsoft’s portfolio, from core models, health, social and economics, coding and development, vision and graphics, systems and networks, and more. You will also be able to contribute to the shape our engineering culture, strategy, and execution, as well as modernize AI engineering practices all in support of accelerating our collective impact across Microsoft Research Americas, Microsoft and beyond.At Microsoft, our mission—to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more—guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress—people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what’s next for everyone.ResponsibilitiesIndividual Contributor (IC) Development: Independently design and build software using appropriate artificial intelligence (AI) tools, frameworks and practices across the software development lifecycle (SDLC) in a disciplined manner. Apply innovative AI agentic tooling and workflows for efficient code generation, evaluation, debugging, and refinement. Contribute to all layers of code and infrastructure to bring scientific experiments from prototypes to reliable and scalable products ready for adoption across Microsoft.Coding and Design: Owns or collaborates with other engineers on the architecture of solutions, with minimal technical oversight. Applies appropriate coding patterns and best practices (e.g., leveraging state-of-the-art generative artificial intelligence [GenAI], approaches to source code organization, naming conventions). Proactively Considers diagnosability, reliability, testability, and maintainability when reviewing code, and understands when code is ready to be shared or delivered.Engineering Excellence: Leads by example within the team to produce extensible, maintainable, well-tested, secure, and performant code that adheres to design specifications. Take responsibility for the content of their AI-generated requirements, design documents, code, and other assets, assisting other members of the team to do the same.Cross-Project Collaboration: Seek connections between MSR projects, design and develop “better together” systems, architectures, and implementations that align key research in support of facilitating new research as well as product transfers. Build partnerships to align engineering efforts with research priorities and Microsoft’s broader innovation agenda.Technical Leadership: Collaborate with MSR Americas engineering leadership to contribute to a cohesive engineering vision. Navigate ambiguity in a dynamic research environment, using tangible intermediate milestones to realize long-term vision.QualificationsRequired QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4 + years technical engineering experience coding in languages including, but not limited to, Python, Rust, C#, C++, Java, JavaScript OR equivalent experience.Preferred QualificationsMaster's Degree and/or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Python, Rust, C#, C++, Java, JavaScriptOR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Python, Rust, C#, C++, Java, JavaScriptOR equivalent experience.2+ years technical leadership experience, defining milestones and helping an engineering team execute on their deliverablesDemonstrated experience on an engineering team within a research or innovation setting, with responsibilities spanning prototypes to production.Experience with Microsoft AI stack, including but not limited to Azure/AI Platform and Copilot based experiences and tools.Experience contributing to or delivering AI powered products at scaleExperience with early stage or first generation product development #Research #MSRRSoftware 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: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.