**Be the voice behind the future—join us to build transformative speech technology for multilingual, intelligent experiences that reach billions.** Microsoft is pioneering next-generation AI-driven speech solutions for voice agents, video translation, and call centre analytics. As a **Principal Applied Scientist** in Microsoft’s **Azure Speech team** , you will lead the development of advanced multilingual speech models, AOAI finetuning and multimodal generative AI powering real-time transcription, intelligent voice agents, and multilingual dubbing across Microsoft products and enterprise solutions. Your work will impact millions—enabling next-generation human–machine experiences for diverse markets, with a special focus on India. In this strategic role, you will set technical direction and drive innovation in speech recognition, AOAI customisation, and generative AI. You’ll collaborate with top scientists and engineers to scale model quality and deliver breakthrough technologies for voice agents, video translation, and call centre analytics. Based in **Hyderabad** , this on-site role offers opportunities to mentor, grow, and shape the future of multimodal interaction for Indian and global audiences. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organisation to achieve more. We embrace a growth mindset and encourage teams and leaders to bring their best. Join us to shape the future of speech and multimodal LLM technology. **Responsibilities** **Responsibilities** **:** + Deliver world-class and transformative speech solutions for Microsoft 1st party and 3rd party products and services. + Set technical directions in multilingual speech model, speech LLMs, model customization and impact accuracy, latency, and compute. + Build novel data generation solutions to synthesize complex speech scenarios and finetune models. + Build data analysis metrics and solutions to understand the model results, identify gaps, and guide solutions. + Collaborate with the global Microsoft team, drive innovative solutions for significant customer asks, and deliver sustained large impacts. + Mentor and influence peers, sharing expertise and fostering a growth-oriented inclusive team culture. + Contribute to patents and publications at top-tier conferences and represent the team’s technical leadership within and outside Microsoft. **Qualifications** **Required Qualifications:** + BS/MS/PhD Degree in CS/EE or related fields with focus in machine learning, AI, or speech technologies. + 10+ years of experience in speech or machine learning in academic or industrial setting, or 10+ years’ experience in software development skills and aptitude for software design, coding and quality. + Demonstration of excellent problem-solving skills in speech and machine learning areas + Proven track record of delivering impactful results and high-quality solutions in complex technical environments. + Strong programming skills in Python, C++ or similar languages, with experience in large-scale data processing and distributed computing. + Effective communication skills, both verbal and written. **Preferred Qualifications:** + Experience with speech/audio processing, multilingual model development, or voice agent technologies. + Familiarity with Azure, cloud-based AI platforms, or enterprise-scale deployment of speech solutions. + Contributions to open-source projects, patents, or publications in top-tier conferences/journals. + Demonstrated leadership in driving technical direction, influencing cross-functional teams, and mentoring peers. **Inclusivity & Compliance:** + Commitment to fostering an inclusive, growth-oriented team culture. + Adherence to Microsoft’s EEO and diversity guidelines. Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, 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 and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .