Microsoft targets Meta’s AI team with multi-million dollar pay packages

Microsoft

Microsoft has drawn up a “most-wanted” list of Meta’s leading AI engineers and researchers, part of a targeted push to recruit from its social media rival, as per a report by Business Insider. Internal documents show the company is matching Meta’s famously high compensation packages to compete for top-tier AI talent, claims the report.

The campaign comes as Microsoft’s valuation nears $4 trillion, buoyed by soaring demand for generative AI. While the company has laid off thousands this year, executives say overall headcount will remain flat — signalling that selective, high-value hiring remains a priority.

Meta has been aggressive in retaining talent, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claiming it has offered $100 million signing bonuses to some engineers. Reports suggest certain AI hires at Meta receive total packages worth $250 million. Microsoft’s own top-tier package — $408,000 salary, $1.9 million in on-hire stock, $1.5 million in annual stock, plus bonuses up to 90% — can be exceeded in competitive situations.

According to the report, two Microsoft divisions are leading the charge: Microsoft AI, run by former DeepMind cofounder Mustafa Suleyman, and CoreAI, headed by ex-Meta engineering chief Jay Parikh. Recruiters are now flagging “critical AI talent,” triggering a process that delivers the company’s best offer within 24 hours, as per the report.

The process includes a detailed “offer rationale,” use of a private compensation modelling tool to set custom ranges, and input from a dedicated pay consultant. Documents show targeted teams at Meta include Reality Labs, GenAI Infrastructure, and Meta AI Research.

With multimillion-dollar signing bonuses becoming increasingly common, Microsoft’s willingness to break its usual pay structures highlights the escalating talent war between Big Tech players. It also highlights the importance of securing elite AI engineers before rivals do.