Job Description

At Gaming AI, we are exploring new emerging technology trends to craft the next era of gaming. We are venturing beyond the horizon and charting a course forward with players and creators at the center.




The Xbox Gaming AI team is seeking a Principal Applied Scientist to advance AI and machine learning technologies for Xbox platform experiences. This role will develop state-of-the-art deep learning and foundation model capabilities to support gaming platform needs.
This role requires deep technical and research expertise in machine learning and engineering, including training and fine-tuning models for multi-modal intelligence, language models, diffusion models, embodied AI, world generation, reinforcement learning, computer vision, recommender systems, and the ability to go from theoretical approach to tangible, scalable, shippable, efficient outcomes. You'll be expected to bring technical rigor, creativity, and execution to help move research into production.

We are looking for a candidate that is collaborative and has the ability to bring ideas to life working with software engineers, applied scientists, game developers, designers, and world-class machine learning researchers. Storytelling through compelling presentations and prototypes are essential, as well as being at ease presenting to C-level executives, collaborating with game development teams, or participating in deeply technical discussions with research leaders. As with any role focused on incubation and innovation, sound judgement and ability to balance trade-offs in opportunity cost is vital.

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.

Responsibilities

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Plan, research, develop and implement state-of-the-art techniques for AI/ML powered tools and technologies for gaming. Lead in turning broad AI ambitions to actionable roadmaps and tasks. Driving execution as an individual contributor, as well as setting priorities and guiding the work of other team members. Work across multiple topics and workstreams, utilizing different AI/ML approaches and frameworks. Participate in brainstorming, architecture design, experimenting with different ML approaches. Contribute to every point in the product delivery process for AI, including data labelling, benchmarking, evaluation of solutions, optimization and quantization of models for efficient inference across different hardware platforms. Fine-tuning, training, quantizing, preparing models for production systems, including small language models. Collaborate and coordinate across multiple teams and stakeholders and solve complex problems that allow for innovative features across all our platforms. Commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace and team culture, where every voice is heard and valued. Embody our Culture & Values

Qualifications

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Required Qualifications:

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Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) + OR equivalent experience.
3+ years coding proficiency in Python and familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch and in programming languages C#, JAVA, C or C++. 3+ years of experience developing machine learning solutions, deploying and managing machine learning models and data pipelines. 3+ years experience with ML infrastructure (e.g., model deployment, evaluation, optimization, debugging).

Preferred Qualifications:

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Research ability demonstrated by a publication record of journal and conference publications or submitted/accepted papers in top venues. Lead role in videogame-related industry Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team. Effective communication skills. Passionate about AI research and production applications. Intellectual curiosity and learning capacity Effective problem-solving acumen and critical thinking skills. Ability to thrive in a dynamic, sometimes ambiguous, fast-paced work environment. 3+ year(s) customer-facing, project-delivery experience, professional services, and/or consulting experience. Proficiency in Python, with experience using data science libraries and tools, as well as data querying languages like SQL


Applied Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across Canada is CAD $142,400 - CAD $257,500 per year.
Find additional pay information here:


https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/canada-pay-information.html

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until November 14th, 2025.

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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.