Engineering Lead - Extreme Retrieval

Overview

Join us to redefine information retrieval at scale!

Microsoft Research India is seeking a hands-on, ambitious leader to drive engineering and program management for a high-impact project specializing in large-scale machine learning for enterprise retrieval -- think RAG powering Copilots, web-scale retrieval for search engines and personalized recommendations for billions of users. You’ll report to a Distinguished Scientist and Vice President, and work with a world-class team of researchers and engineers.

Why MSR India?

Work at the forefront of machine learning and systems with a team that sets the bar for rigor and impact. Your leadership will directly influence Microsoft-wide experiences and advance the state of the art in retrieval. You will also have the opportunity to present the team’s work at the senior most levels of leadership (CEO, CTO and Board) and shape their thinking in this space.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now using the link above and by sending an e-mail to the MSRI AIML Hiring Committee<msrimlrec@microsoft.com> and help shape the future of retrieval at Microsoft!

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering for cutting-edge ML codebases, bridging developers and ML researchers to deliver robust, scalable systems.
• Manage strategic partnerships and represent the project to senior Microsoft leadership and external collaborators.
• Drive talent acquisition, attracting top ML talent from academia, industry and startups.
• Optimize GPU infrastructure and advocate for resources at internal committees.
• Co-lead vision and strategy, identifying new opportunities for impact.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields.
• Deep technical skills in machine learning and software engineering; able to author and review production code.
• 5+ years experience in technical engineering leadership, delivering complex ML/IR systems.
• Proven ability to engage with product teams, understand architectures, and map research to product needs.
• Exceptional communication skills; comfortable with senior executives and external partners.
• Startup-like agility, independence, and a drive for impact and quality.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience with large-scale retrieval (RAG, dual/cross encoders, LLM/SLM architectures, distributed systems, and GPU optimization.
• Track record in building strategic partnerships and recruiting ML talent.
  
  

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.

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