📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Creative Technologist
🔹 Company: Microsoft
🔹 Location: New York City, New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Research & Development
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-28
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Bridging cutting-edge AI research with real-world applications
- Working closely with highly technical research teams
- Ensuring research questions are grounded in user needs
- Collaborating in a fast-paced, innovative environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong balance between creative and technical skills, with a focus on user-centric design and problem-solving.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Bridge cutting-edge AI research with real-world applications
✅ Work closely with highly technical research teams
✅ Ensure research questions are grounded in user needs
✅ Collaborate in a fast-paced, innovative environment
✅ Develop and maintain prototypes for AI systems
✅ Conduct user research and usability testing
✅ Create design documents and specifications
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve working on multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in design, software development, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Proficient in design tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD)
- Strong proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript)
- Experience with AI systems and machine learning
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with AI research or development
- Familiarity with Unreal Engine or similar game engines
- Experience with user research and usability testing
ASSUMPTION: While a master's degree would be beneficial, it is not strictly required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Senior Creative Technologist role in New York City)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition assistance
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with flexibility for the role's requirements)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Microsoft operates in the technology industry, focusing on software development, hardware manufacturing, and services.
Company Size: Microsoft is a large corporation with over 180,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: 1975, in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Company Description:
- Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
- The company offers a wide range of products and services, including operating systems (Windows, macOS), productivity and business processes (Office, Dynamics 365), and intelligent cloud (Azure).
- Microsoft fosters a culture of inclusion, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Company Specialties:
- Software development
- Hardware manufacturing
- Cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Company Website: Microsoft
ASSUMPTION: Working at Microsoft offers opportunities to collaborate with highly skilled professionals and contribute to cutting-edge technologies that impact millions of users worldwide.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring significant experience and expertise in design and software development.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Technologist will report directly to the Research Prototyping Team Lead within the AI Frontiers lab.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the Microsoft office in New York City. However, there may be opportunities for remote work or hybrid arrangements, depending on the specific needs of the project.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead projects and mentor junior team members
- Opportunities to work on diverse AI projects and expand skillset
- Career progression within Microsoft's research and development teams
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both in terms of career advancement and skill development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Microsoft office in New York City is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation.
Office Location(s): 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major hub for technology, finance, and media industries.
- The office is located in Midtown Manhattan, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities.
Work Schedule: The typical work schedule for this role is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project requirements.
ASSUMPTION: Working in New York City offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and collaborate with industry leaders.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager
- On-site or virtual interview with the team
- Final interview with the AI Frontiers lab director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design and software development skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- User-centric mindset
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Adaptability to a fast-paced, innovative environment
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant design and software development projects in your portfolio
- Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences relevant to this role
- Prepare examples of user research and usability testing you've conducted in previous projects
- Be ready to discuss your approach to creative problem-solving and collaboration
ATS Keywords: User-centered design, software development, AI research, prototyping, collaboration, problem-solving, innovation, real-world applications
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing your technical skills, user-centric mindset, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Design tools: Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD
- Programming languages: Python, JavaScript
- AI systems and machine learning frameworks
- Unreal Engine or similar game engines
- User research and usability testing tools
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the projects assigned.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- One Microsoft
- Customer Obsessed
- One Microsoft Team
- Growth Mindset
- Inclusive Culture
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Fast-paced and innovative
- User-centric and customer-focused
- Adaptable and open to feedback
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach user research and incorporating user feedback into your design process?
- Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in project scope or direction?
- How do you balance creative exploration with practical constraints in your design work?
ASSUMPTION: Microsoft values a growth mindset, inclusivity, and customer obsession, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with highly technical research teams may require a steep learning curve
- Balancing multiple projects and priorities may be challenging
- Keeping up with the latest AI research and technologies may require continuous learning
- New York City's fast-paced and competitive environment may present unique challenges
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on bridging AI research with real-world applications, requiring a strong balance between creative and technical skills.
- Compared to other senior creative technologist roles, this position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI projects with a global impact.
- Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within Microsoft's research and development teams or transitions into product management or user experience roles.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of creative and technical challenges, with significant growth potential and the opportunity to work on high-impact AI projects.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a user-friendly interface for a small language model (e.g., Phi, Orca)
- Creating a design system for an agentic AI platform (e.g., AutoGen, OmniParser)
- Prototyping a learning agent platform with a focus on user experience and accessibility
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the creative and technical challenges involved in this role, focusing on user-centric design and AI systems.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the AI Frontiers lab?
- How does the Research Prototyping Team collaborate with other teams within the lab and Microsoft?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the AI Frontiers lab in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does Microsoft support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help you better understand the role's responsibilities, the team's dynamics, and Microsoft's commitment to employee growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your design and software development skills, as well as any experience with AI systems or user research
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your design work, with a focus on user-centric projects and AI-related projects if applicable
- Prepare examples of user research and usability testing you've conducted in previous projects
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
