Senior Software Engineer
Microsoft · China, Beijing, Beijing, China, Jiangsu, Suzhou · Software Engineering
Join Microsoft AI (MAI), the team behind Copilot, Bing, MSN, and Edge, as a key engineering contributor driving the future of AI experiences. We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer who combines solid classic engineering discipline with the velocity of the AI era.
In this role, you will design and build scalable, high-performance features that serve millions of users, bridging the gap between robust distributed systems and cutting-edge AI integration. You will serve as a technical pillar within your squad—navigating ambiguity, mentoring junior to mid-level talent, and upholding the standard for engineering excellence in an AI-native world.
MAI operates with the agility and intensity of a startup. As a Senior Engineer, you are expected to thrive in a fast-paced environment, possessing the technical maturity to turn abstract product concepts into reliable software.
We value "OPE" (One Person Entrepreneurship). We believe that in the AI era, a highly capable engineer—equipped with the right AI tools—can deliver outsized impact. We expect you to operate with a high degree of autonomy and ownership:
- Extreme Ownership: You view your technical domain with a solid sense of responsibility. You don't wait to be told what to do; you actively unblock yourself, manage your tasks effectively, and take pride in the outcome.
- End-to-End Execution: You are capable of working across the stack to deliver features—using AI as your force multiplier to execute faster and more efficiently than ever before.
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.
Starting January 26, 2026, Microsoft AI (MAI) employees who live within a 50- mile commute of a designated Microsoft office in the U.S. or 25-mile commute of a non-U.S., country-specific location are expected to work from the office at least four days per week. This expectation is subject to local law and may vary by jurisdiction.
Responsibilities
- System Design & Implementation: Contribute to the technical design of critical AI services. You will make sound architectural decisions that balance immediate product needs with system stability, scalability, and clean code principles.
- AI-Native Engineering Practice: Actively utilize and promote the latest AI coding workflows (Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, etc.) within your team. You will demonstrate how to use AI to accelerate development cycles while maintaining strict code quality and security standards.
- Bridge "Classic" & "Modern": Apply your solid foundation in distributed systems and software engineering (the "Classic Era" discipline) to ensure that AI-generated code and rapid prototypes mature into reliable, production-grade infrastructure.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Act as a force multiplier for your immediate team. Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of technical curiosity and high code quality.
- Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Product, Design, and Research partners to translate complex AI capabilities into intuitive, user-facing experiences.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
- OR equivalent experience.
- Foundational Engineering Rigor ("The Classic Era"): Solid experience working on complex engineering projects. You must possess a solid understanding of software fundamentals (memory management, concurrency, data structures, basic system design) that allows you to confidently validate and correct AI-generated solutions.
- AI-Trained Developer: Demonstrated experience adapting to and integrating AI-assisted development tools into your daily workflow. You are an active practitioner of the AI revolution.
- Domain Expertise: Solid proficiency in at least one of the following areas:Frontend: (e.g., React, TypeScript, Modern Web Architecture)
- Backend: (e.g., Distributed Systems, Microservices, C#/Java/Go/Rust/C++).
- Data Science/ML Engineering: (e.g., Model deployment, RAG, PyTorch).
- Mobile Development: (e.g., iOS/Android native or cross-platform).
- Leadership & Execution: Prior experience leading technical features or projects. You must have a track record of driving technical initiatives to completion.
- Communication: Fluent English communication skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing). You must be able to articulate technical concepts clearly to team members and stakeholders.
- Emotional Intelligence & Team Player: We value engineers with high EQ who can build good rapport with colleagues. You will contribute positively to team morale and collaborate organically with peers to maintain a spirited and supportive development culture.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
- OR Bachelor'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.
- Experience contributing to large-scale distributed systems or high-traffic consumer applications.
- Hands-on experience with advanced AI technology integration, prompt engineering, or basic agentic workflows.
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.