About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Principal Platform Engineer focused on developing AI systems for memory and personalization in Microsoft's Copilot. You'll be designing large-scale systems and collaborating with various teams, while also mentoring other engineers. It's primarily an individual contributor role with some leadership responsibilities.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have extensive experience in platform engineering, particularly in AI or related fields, and thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments. A strong background in system design and a proactive approach to learning new technologies are essential.

Worth noting

The position requires a significant in-office presence, which may be a downside for remote work advocates. The salary range is broad, indicating potential for negotiation based on experience.

Overview

As Microsoft continues to push the boundaries of AI, we are on the lookout for passionate individuals to work with us on the most interesting and challenging AI questions of our time. Our vision is bold and broad — to build systems that have true artificial intelligence across agents, applications, services, and infrastructure. It’s also inclusive: we aim to make AI accessible to all — consumers, businesses, developers — so that everyone can realize its benefits.

Microsoft AI (MAI) is seeking an experienced Platform Engineer to help build Copilot memory and personalization — AI that remembers, evolves, and grows with each user. You’ll work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment to develop systems that deepen memory with every interaction, personalize experiences to reflect each user’s unique style and goals, and make interactions feel more like working with a trusted partner than using a tool.

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.

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

Design and build large-scale Copilot memory and personalization systems leveraging search, embeddings, retrieval, ranking, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
Apply subject-matter expertise in cross-product features, collaborating with appropriate stakeholders to drive project plans, release plans, and deliverables across multiple groups.
Hold accountability as a Designated Responsible Individual (DRI), mentoring engineers across products/solutions, working on-call to monitor system/product/service for degradation, downtime, or interruptions.
Proactively seek out new knowledge and adapt to new trends, technical solutions, and patterns that improve the availability, reliability, efficiency, observability, and performance of products while also driving consistency in monitoring and operations at scale and share knowledge with other engineers.
Enjoy working in a fast-paced, design-driven, product development cycle.
Navigate ambiguity and clear roadblocks to deliver solutions quickly and iteratively, ensuring they reach users effectively.
Embody our culture and values

Qualifications

Required Qualification

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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 Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 15+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.
Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are comfortable making progress in ambiguity.
Experience building and deploying machine learning or large language model (LLM) applications at scale.
Experience designing and implementing large-scale embedding, retrieval, and ranking systems.

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $139,900 - $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 $163,000 - $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.

Aplyr's read

Microsoft is a technology giant shaping global computing, attracting talent interested in innovation and impact across software, cloud, and AI sectors.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Strong commitment to innovation in AI and cloud computing.
•Diverse range of roles from technical to managerial, offering career growth.
•Financially stable with a robust global presence and market influence.

What to watch

•Complex organizational structure can slow decision-making processes.
•High competition for roles may limit entry-level opportunities.
•Potential for work-life balance challenges in high-demand positions.

Why Microsoft

•Pioneer in personal and business computing with a legacy of innovation.
•Extensive global reach with a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.
•Leader in integrating AI into mainstream software and cloud services.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Microsoft

Microsoft

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MSFT$487.46-1.09%

Microsoft is a global technology company that develops, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products, services, and devices. Known for its Windows operating system and Office productivity suite, Microsoft has a significant impact on personal and business computing worldwide.