Principal Applied Scientist - Advanced Autonomy and Applied Robotics

Microsoft's Strategic Missions and Technologies (SMT) division develops and delivers advanced AI, cloud capabilities, and strategic infrastructure to help solve the world’s major challenges. From accelerated scientific discovery through AI, to breakthroughs in quantum computing, to unique AI and edge platforms for bio-intelligence and biosecurity, and to advanced robotics and AI capabilities to accelerate positive impact in the physical world, joining SMT means building the future, partnering with government, and working in an exhilarating impact-focused environment.

Within SMT, we are the Advanced Autonomy and Applied Robotics team, seeking to inspire, innovate, and integrate emerging robotics and AI technologies to help empower every person and organization to achieve more. Our team is transforming how teams of robots and humans and AI agents collaborate to catalyze the impactful future such teams will offer. We are thought leaders, humble learners, eager partners, and enthusiastic advocates of the robotics community, with a “One Microsoft” approach providing a bridge to innovation inside and outside of Microsoft.    

The Advanced Autonomy and Applied Robotics team is committed to leading the integration, productization, and democratization of AI-infused robotic systems. Our goal is to transform robots from tools into teammates empowered by next-generation AI models. We aim to provide the best collaboration environment for teams of humans, robots, and AI agents, ensuring security, privacy, and safety in their interactions. We seek to enhance human-robot-agent teaming through trustworthy autonomy solutions, driving innovation and creating impact for various industries. Our vision is to position Microsoft at the forefront of the convergence of AI and robotics, shaping a future where AI agentic and physical robotic systems are integral to society, working alongside humans to achieve unprecedented levels of productivity and collaboration.   

As a Principal Applied Scientist - Advanced Autonomy and Applied Robotics, the role involves building the future platform for human-robot-agent teaming. This individual will leverage cutting-edge AI and robotics technologies to develop innovative product solutions that enhance the capabilities of collaborative teams of humans, robots, and AI agents. The work will emphasize developing trustworthy autonomy technologies and tools to ensure the security, privacy, and safety of AI-infused robotic systems. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in one or more of the following areas: multi-robot systems, robotics & AI, and robotics systems integration. 

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 and we need you as a Principal Applied Scientist - Advanced Autonomy and Applied Robotics. 

Responsibilities

• Nurture and grow collaborative relationships with research, product, and business group leaders within and outside of Microsoft, providing expertise or technology to create business impact, while bridging the gap between research innovation and real-world development. 

• Independently bring long-term research efforts into production, applying advanced knowledge of specialized subareas and cutting-edge methods to solve immediate product needs. 

• Serve as a subject matter expert on the team, mastering state-of-the-art research and best practices from Microsoft and the academic community to guide product strategy and innovation. 

• Review business and product requirements to formulate strategic plans incorporating leading research from Microsoft and the academic community, ensuring product goals, quality, and scientific rigor alignment. 

• Identify gaps in existing approaches and determine appropriate tools, technologies, and methods to drive product improvements and foster innovation in diverse applied research domains. 

• Proactively mentor and coach less experienced and mid-level team members by providing guidance on industry best practices and research methodologies, while actively recruiting and inspiring new research talent. 

• Document ongoing research, experimentation outcomes, and future plans, sharing findings internally and externally. 

• Embody Microsoft’s culture and values. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., robot systems integration or field robotics research) 

• OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., robot systems integration or field robotics research) 

• OR Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., robot systems integration or field robotics research) 

• OR equivalent experience. 

• 3+ years of experience performing robotics-focused software product development in simulation, laboratory, and field experiments.

• 3+ years of expertise in data science, algorithms, and software support for mobile (multi-) robot autonomy/AI behaviors, perception, navigation, and networking in different environments (e.g., aerial, maritime, or ground). 

Other Requirements:

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: 
• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or related field AND 9+ years related experience (e.g., robot systems integration or field robotics research) 

• OR Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical or Systems Engineering, or related field AND 6+ year(s) related experience (e.g., robot systems integration or field robotics research) 

• OR equivalent experience. 

• Experience developing architectures and algorithms for multi-agent, distributed collaborative autonomy, and building and optimizing distributed systems and large-data applications  

• 5+ years experience creating publications (e.g., patents, libraries, peer-reviewed academic papers) and presenting at conferences or other events in the outside research/industry community as an invited speaker 

• 5+ years experience conducting research as part of a research program (in academic or industry settings) 

Applied Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $137,600 - $267,000 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 $180,400 - $294,000 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 February 26, 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.

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