Microsoft is trying to poach Meta AI talent and offering multimillion-dollar pay packages, internal documents show

In a bold move to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities, Microsoft is actively targeting talent from Meta. The tech giant has identified a roster of desired engineers and researchers from its rival, initiating a strategy to enhance its offer competitiveness by matching or exceeding Meta's lucrative compensation packages. Recent internal documents reveal that Microsoft is stepping up its recruitment efforts in light of its impressive earnings report, which has driven its market valuation close to $4 trillion, significantly fueled by advancements in generative AI. To maintain this momentum, Microsoft recognizes the necessity of attracting top-tier AI professionals. Despite having laid off thousands of employees this year, Microsoft has expressed intentions to stabilize its workforce, indicating plans for significant hiring in the AI sector. However, matching the financial incentives offered by Meta poses a formidable challenge. Reports indicate that Meta has been extending staggering nine-figure contracts to attract elite AI talent, with some signing bonuses reportedly reaching up to $100 million. Internal sources suggest that Microsoft is now making multimillion-dollar offers as part of its recruitment strategies. Teams led by notable figures such as Mustafa Suleyman, a former co-founder of Google DeepMind, and Jay Parikh, who previously headed engineering at Meta, are spearheading these efforts. They have formed specialized recruitment teams to ensure competitive offers are made. A detailed spreadsheet circulating among Microsoft’s hiring managers outlines the profiles of sought-after Meta employees, categorized by name, location, and job function. This includes targeted teams within Meta, such as Reality Labs and Meta AI Research. As part of its new recruiting framework, Microsoft has instructed its recruiters to label candidates as "critical AI talent." This designation prompts swift responses from senior management regarding potential offers, with a commitment to present top-tier compensation within 24 hours. The recruitment process also includes a thorough assessment of candidates' skills and the development of tailored compensation packages using a private modeling tool. Microsoft's recently disclosed internal pay guidelines for AI roles reveal that top compensation packages can reach up to $408,000 in salary, alongside substantial stock awards and bonuses. Notably, these guidelines allow for flexibility in competitive scenarios, enabling recruiters to seek approval for higher offers to attract exceptional talent. This aggressive recruitment strategy highlights Microsoft's commitment to enhancing its AI workforce, positioning itself as a formidable player in the tech industry amidst fierce competition for talent.