Creative Technology Development Lead

Technology is the canvas for the next wave of human creativity and progress. At Microsoft Creative Technology, part of the Microsoft Research Accelerator, we leverage the world’s leading scientific research to deliver state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), cloud computing, real-time graphics, generative AI, Extended Reality (XR), computational media, creative and media tools, and other emerging domains—technologies that revolutionize the human condition.

• Drive the end-to-end technical execution for innovative, research-driven projects, including architecture, experimental design, rapid prototyping, and delivery.
• Lead cross-disciplinary engineering teams and mentor technical talent, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and collaborative innovation.
• Break complex engineering problems into actionable sprints, strategically aligning team efforts to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions.
• Cultivate engineering excellence by implementing bug-tracking workflows, sprint planning, and iterative development cycles grounded in data and customer feedback.
• Formulate and test scientific hypotheses, design rigorous experiments, and analyze results to drive iterative development.
• Disseminate research and technical insights through publications, patents, conference presentations, technical blogs, and open-source contributions, engaging with the scientific and developer communities.
• Collaborate closely across disciplines—engineering, design, research, media, and product—to translate scientific discoveries into compelling, accessible experiences.
• Drive hands-on development on state-of-the-art AI/ML, generative AI, cloud computing, real-time graphics, XR, computational media, creative and media tools, and other emerging domains; ensure robust, scalable, and high-quality outcomes grounded in rigorous research.
• Design and implement data-driven evaluation frameworks to measure impact, inform iteration, and validate hypotheses.
• Champion experimentation and innovation: pilot bold ideas, iterate rapidly, integrate multidisciplinary feedback, and document learnings.
• Communicate technical vision, research methodology, and progress clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to the evolution of our team’s methodologies and best practices, promoting well-being, flexibility, and a global-first ethos.

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related scientific or technical discipline AND 4+ years professional software development experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Python, C, C++, C#, Java, or JavaScript
• OR equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with one or multiple of the following technologies: state-of-the-art AI/ML systems, generative AI, cloud computing, real-time graphics, XR, computational media and/or creative and media tools.
• Advanced proficiency in one or multiple technologies: Azure, Python, React TS, NoSQL, Cosmos DB, .Net, and/or AI technologies such as LLMs, semantic embeddings, search, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation).
• 4+ years of experience in Python and Web development (JavaScript, ReactJS, node, html).
• Passion for creativity and scientific inquiry—evidenced through professional achievements or personal projects, with well-rounded interests demonstrating a creative and analytical mindset.
• Demonstrated experience building, integrating, or extending media, creative, or visualization tools (e.g., video, audio, 3D, interactive experiences).
• Proven experience leading hypothesis-driven research, experimental design, and data-driven iteration.
• Experience architecting and delivering prototypes or products at scale for broad or diverse audiences, grounded in empirical research and user data.
• Demonstrated ability to apply research methodologies and data-driven approaches to validate concepts and inform strategic decisions.
• Experience working at the intersection of research and development, innovation-focused, or creative technology teams.
• Track record of mentoring, coaching, or growing technical and creative talent in research-oriented environments.
• Demonstrated impact through high-profile publications, patents, or open-source contributions, along with active participation in the scientific and developer communities via conferences, workshops, or collaborative research.
• Proven scientific and technical writing skills, including the ability to create clear, concise documentation and present to diverse audiences.

• Industry leading healthcare
• Educational resources
• Discounts on products and services
• Savings and investments
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Generous time away
• Giving programs
• Opportunities to network and connect

Our mission is to empower every person and organization—artists, dreamers, researchers, developers and innovators—to imagine, build, and share experiences that inspire, educate, and connect.