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 experienced Backend Engineering Manager 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.

By applying to this U.S. Mountain View, CA position, you are required to be local to the San Francisco area and in office 3 days a week.

Starting January 26, 2026, 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

• Build and lead a team of backend and machine learning engineers, including driving project planning, prioritization of work, and designing features.
• Guides teams and leads identification of dependencies and the development of design documents for a product, application, service, or platform.
• Make hands-on contributions to the codebase and infrastructure.
• Guide architecture and design efforts by leading discussions, creating proposals and design documents, and ensuring solutions meet business, security, and compliance requirements.
• Ship AI powered experiences that will shape how millions of people will interact with AI in the future.
• Drive implementation of features and systems, breaking down long-term goals into clear milestones, aligning with release plans, and ensuring cross-team coordination.
• Embody our culture and values

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, or related technical discipline 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.

• 3+ years of people manager experience.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science OR related technical field AND 10+ 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 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python

• OR equivalent experience.

• Proven experience building large-scale distributed systems and optimizing workloads for efficiency and scalability.

• Passion for learning new technologies and staying up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in AI.

• Experience building large-scale ranking algorithms and recommender systems.

Software Engineering M5 - 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 M6 - 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.