About the role
The Microsoft Superintelligence team is building Humanist Superintelligence - advanced AI designed to remain controllable, aligned, and firmly in service to humanity. As a lean, fast-moving research lab within Microsoft AI, we are focused on creating the safest, most capable AI systems that amplify human potential and deliver tangible impact to billions of users worldwide.
We're looking for a Technical Advisor to join Microsoft Superintelligence in the Office of the CEO of Microsoft AI. The right candidate combines deep technical expertise in machine learning and software engineering with the ability to provide strategic counsel on high-stakes decisions. This role requires someone who can dive deep into research problems—evaluating models, prototyping solutions, and analyzing technical tradeoffs—while also synthesizing insights for executive decision-making. You'll work across the full spectrum of our research efforts, from model development and infrastructure to safety and alignment.
The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, takes initiative, and can context-switch fluidly between hands-on technical work and strategic advisory. You should be comfortable working across a variety of projects as they surface ad-hoc and able to clearly communicate findings in exec-level written documents.
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.
This role is based in Mountain View, CA or Redmond, WA. You are required to be local to one of these locations and in office 3 days a week.
Responsibilities
Provide direct technical and strategic support to the CEO of Microsoft AI—identifying opportunities and risks across our research portfolio
Engage deeply with research teams on pre-training, post-training, multimodal systems, infrastructure, and safety/alignment work
Prototype and evaluate models, techniques, and infrastructure to develop insights and inform strategic decisions
Analyze technical tradeoffs and synthesize findings into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership
Stay at the forefront of AI research, tracking emerging techniques and evaluating their applicability to our work
Drive critical technical initiatives from conception through execution, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
Serve as a bridge between the CEO and research teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment on priorities
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in computer science or related technical field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding OR equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
8+ years of experience in software engineering, machine learning, or AI research.
Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field.
Software engineering skills with the ability to rapidly prototype and evaluate technical solutions.
Understanding modern ML techniques, including large language models, multimodal systems, agents, or related areas.
Written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical concepts for executive audiences.
Track record of operating effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
Ability to context-switch across diverse technical domains.
Published research at top ML/AI venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, etc.)
Experience at a leading AI research lab or startup.
Experience with model training, infrastructure, or AI safety research.
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
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
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.
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 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.
- Founded
- 1975