Job Description

Overview

Microsoft Research is seeking a Research Infrastructure Engineer to help build, secure, and automate the technical environment that enables world-class research. This is a key role combines infrastructure engineering, security, developer productivity, and technical operations, with opportunities to contribute directly to research and engineering projects.

What the job offers:

• Opportunity to own and drive critical computing infrastructure work that enables cutting-edge research at Microsoft Research India.
• Scope to engage with counterparts across MSR’s global network of labs to share learnings, best practices, and artifacts.
• Contribute directly to innovative research and engineering efforts beyond traditional infrastructure support.

The ideal candidate is not just a support engineer or a DevOps engineer. They are an automation expert and force multiplier who uses technology to eliminate friction, improve productivity, and help the lab focus on innovation.

Microsoft Research India (MSR India) is a leading research lab advancing innovation across the research areas like Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Theory, Technology & Empowerment and Systems. Established more than two decades ago, the lab has been at the forefront of computer science research in India and has been home to world class talent and projects.

Responsibilities

• Own and support research infrastructure spanning cloud, GPUs, workstations, servers, and development environments (like Github).
• Manage technical support for internal and external events.
• Design and implement automation to improve reliability, security, and research productivity.
• Build tools, scripts, and workflows using Python, PowerShell, Azure, and DevOps technologies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on deployment architectures, hosting options, access control, security, and operational best practices.
• Partner with researchers and engineers to identify bottlenecks and develop scalable solutions.
• Oversee technical contract staff to own and support physical infrastructure like network, telephone and printers.
• Contribute to shared tooling, infrastructure, and, where appropriate, research projects and prototypes.
• Coordinate across engineering, procurement, security, compliance, and IT teams to deliver complex technical solutions.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in any of infrastructure engineering, technical operations, DevOps, systems engineering, or software development.
• Strong hands-on experience with Linux and/or Windows administration.
• Experience with Azure or other cloud platforms.
• Proficiency in communication and content management platforms like Teams/Sharepoint.
• Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, or similar scripting languages.
• Strong understanding of security fundamentals, access control, identity management, and enterprise security practices.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• Experience with GPUs, AI/ML infrastructure, or high-performance computing.
• Experience troubleshooting complex hardware, software, and cloud environments.
• Experience contributing to software or research projects.
• Experience with procurement policies and practices including budgeting/forecasting.
• Experience managing support teams.

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.