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Computer Scientist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics ...

OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics ...

OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics ...

Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 5+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

Senior Data Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$119K - $234K/yr

Doctorate in Data Science , Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 1+ year(s) data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

Doctorate in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 3+ years data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field * OR equivalent experience. Preferred Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in ...

OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics ...

Senior Data Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$119K - $234K/yr

Doctorate in Data Science , Mathematics, Statistics, Econometrics, Economics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related field AND 1+ year(s) data-science experience (e.g., managing structured ...

Senior Applied Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics predictive analytics, research)

Senior Applied Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$160K - $261K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics predictive analytics, research)

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 2+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research ...

Showing results 21-40

Computer Scientist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$57.5K

$126.7K

$156.5K

How much do computer scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer scientist in Seattle, WA is $126,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $155,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer scientist?

Computer scientists are professionals who study the theory, design, development, and application of computer systems and software. They work on solving complex problems using algorithms, programming languages, and computational methods. Their work can range from developing new technologies, improving cybersecurity, creating software, to researching artificial intelligence and machine learning. Computer scientists are employed in various industries, including tech companies, research institutions, government agencies, and academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Scientist, you need a strong background in mathematics, programming, and algorithm design, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python, Java, C++), development tools, and version control systems is typically required, along with knowledge of specialized software or frameworks relevant to your area. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help you collaborate and present complex ideas clearly. These skills and qualifications are important for developing innovative solutions, advancing technology, and working efficiently in multidisciplinary teams.

What does a computer scientist do?

Computer scientists solve problems using technology. They write and program software, create applications for mobile devices, and develop websites. Their primary objectives are to validate and to develop mathematical models capable of computer interaction between people and other computers. They do this by running computer programs and improving computer processes and performance. Beyond working within theoretical frameworks, computer scientists can also research and focus in areas such as data structure and algorithms, information and database theory, software engineering, numerical analysis, computational complexity theory, computer graphics, programming language theory, and computer vision.

How do computer scientists typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Computer scientists often work closely with teams from engineering, product management, data analytics, and IT to design, implement, and optimize technological solutions. Collaboration may involve participating in cross-functional meetings, providing technical expertise to inform business decisions, and integrating software systems with other platforms. Effective communication and teamwork are key, as computer scientists must translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for non-technical colleagues. This collaborative environment not only broadens your professional network but also enhances your problem-solving skills through exposure to diverse perspectives.

What is the difference between Computer Scientist vs Software Engineer?

AspectComputer ScientistSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; often advanced degreesBachelor's or higher in CS, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsTech companies, software development firms, IT departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, tech companiesSoftware development companies, startups, large corporations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career paths, and skillsJob requirements, responsibilities, and career growth

Computer Scientists focus on theoretical foundations, algorithms, and research, often working in academia or R&D. Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications in industry settings. While both roles require strong programming skills and a background in computer science, their work environments and primary objectives differ.

What are 5 careers in computer scientist?

A computer scientist can pursue careers such as software developer, data analyst, systems analyst, cybersecurity analyst, and machine learning engineer. These roles often require programming skills, knowledge of algorithms, and familiarity with tools like Python, Java, or SQL. Many positions also benefit from relevant certifications and a strong understanding of computer systems and data structures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Computer Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Computer Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Computer Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Computer Scientist jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Computer Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Scientist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,711 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Principal Applied Scientist

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
The Foundry Agent Platform organization within Azure AI Platform is at the forefront of building the next generation of AI-driven solutions that power Microsoft's most innovative products and services. Our work underpins key Azure AI offerings, enabling intelligent, scalable, and reliable AI experiences across the Microsoft ecosystem.
Within Foundry Agent Platform, the Agent Performance team is focused on developing advanced tools and platforms to monitor, evaluate, optimize and self-improve AI agents. We are seeking a passionate and skilled Applied Scientist to join the Agent Performance R&D team to help integrate the latest science innovations into the Foundry Agent Platform.
In this role, you will:
  • Understand latest scientific advancements and collaborate with leading researchers to incubate cutting-edge RL techniques into the Foundry Agent Platform
  • Push the envelope on agent accuracy, experimentation and performance advancing the state-of-the-art by connecting customer needs, latest science techniques and product opportunities.
  • Collaborate closely with designers, UI-experts and engineers to ensure clear, actionable dashboards and visualizations that empower users to make trustworthy science-informed decisions.

We are looking for a Principal Applied Scientist, Agent Foundry (CoreAI) who is passionate about translating AI research into customer impact, with a deep understanding of observability and monitoring principles. If you thrive in collaborative environments and are excited to shape the future of AI agent accuracy and performance, we'd love to hear from you!
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.
In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.
Responsibilities
  • Help to shape the direction of Agent Foundry Platform and Agent self-improvement with industry-leading product work.
  • Collaborate with and bridge the gaps between researchers (e.g., across CoreAI, Microsoft Research [MSR] and open-source communities) to translate applied research into differentiated, production-quality features
  • Bring new technology and approaches, such as Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), into production by applying long-term research efforts to drive Agent self-improvement
  • Drive negotiations across teams to ensure cutting edge technology is being applied to products in a practical way that meets key business objectives
  • Leverage and/or construct data and experimentation to rapidly iterate on and refine product opportunities in a rapidly evolving domain
  • Proactively provide mentorship and coaching to less experienced and mid-level team members by sharing expertise to build team capabilities and guiding team members in projects, and their careers

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
    • OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 4+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
    • OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 3+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
    • OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements
  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
    • OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 6+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
    • OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 5+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research)
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • 4+ years foundation in machine learning and applied AI techniques, including model evaluation and optimization.
  • 3+ years of experience programming in Python.
  • 1+ years of experience in fine-tuning and post-training strategies for models in production environments.
  • 2+ Experience with prompt engineering and optimization for large language models or similar AI systems
  • 3+ years experience presenting at conferences or other events in the outside research/industry community as an invited speaker.
  • 7+ years experience conducting research as part of a research program (in academic or industry settings).
  • 5+ years experience developing and deploying live production systems, as part of a product team.
  • 7+ years experience developing and deploying products or systems at multiple points in the product cycle from ideation to shipping.

Applied Sciences IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
Applied Sciences IC6 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165,600 - $296,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $220,800 - $331,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
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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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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