Principal Software Engineer

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Frameworks team at Microsoft develops AI software that enables running AI models everywhere, from the world’s fastest AI supercomputers, to servers, desktops, mobile phones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and internet browsers.  We collaborate with our hardware teams and hardware partners to build the software stacks for novel AI accelerators like the Maia 100.  We work closely with Machine Learning (ML) researchers and developers to optimize and scale out model training and inference. 

The team operates at the intersection of AI algorithmic innovation, purpose-built AI hardware, systems, and software. We are a cross-discipline team of highly capable and motivated people with a collaborative and inclusive culture.  We collaborate with and contribute to the open-source community. 

As a Principal Software Engineer on this team, you will have the opportunity to work on how to make the state-of-art OpenAI models working with MAIA accelerators to enable large scale training and inferencing. 

This is a technical role: it requires hands on software design and development skills. We’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer who has a demonstrated history of solving hard technical problems and is motivated to tackle the hardest problems in building a full end-to-end AI stack.  An entrepreneurial approach and ability to take initiative and move fast are essential. 

We do not just value differences or different perspectives. We seek them out and invite them in so we can tap into the collective power of everyone in the company. As a result, our customers are better served.

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.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, or related technical discipline AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, Cuda, or Python
  • or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years’ practical experience related to machine learning, including modeling and applications or system/ kernel optimization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 10+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, Cuda 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++, Cuda, or Python
• OR equivalent experience.  
• Experience in training or serving Deep Neural Network models. Experience with Language Models and ML system optimization are a plus. 
• A proficient technical background and solid foundation in algorithms, software engineering principles, and computer systems.  
• Cross-team collaboration skills and the desire to collaborate in a team of researchers and developers.  
• Proficient communication skills (both written and oral) 

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.

#SWE24

• Collaborate broadly across multiple disciplines from hardware designers to ML researchers.
• Engage with key partners to understand and evaluate performance/quality tradeoffs for state-of-the-art LLMs at different scales. Build software tools to support validation and exploration of new technologies.    
• Perform software development in model scripting e.g. Python and kernel languages e.g. C/C++, CUDA.
• Identify requirements, scope solutions, estimate work, schedule deliverables. 
• Embody our culture and values