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Salary: USD 153,000 - 376,000 / annual
Figma is seeking an AI Applied Scientist to drive fundamental and applied research in machine learning and artificial intelligence, with a focus on building generative AI technologies that enhance Figma's design and collaboration platform. This role combines research innovation with practical product impact, working at the intersection of cutting-edge AI techniques and real-world design workflows.
You will lead research initiatives exploring the boundaries of current AI technology to build best-in-class models for Figma's domains. Key responsibilities include designing and implementing generative AI models using techniques such as Supervised Fine-tuning (SFT), Reinforcement Learning (RL), prompt engineering, and synthetic data generation. You'll collaborate closely with product managers and infrastructure engineers to translate user feedback into AI system requirements, and build evaluation frameworks to measure and continuously improve the quality of AI-powered features.
The ideal candidate brings 4+ years of generative AI experience and 6+ years in machine learning, NLP, or computer vision. You should have hands-on expertise with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, HuggingFace) and proven experience training LLMs with preference-based RL techniques (DPO, PPO) or RL with verifiable rewards (GRPO/DAPO). Strong software engineering fundamentals (5+ years in Python, C++, Java, or R) are essential, along with demonstrated ability to communicate and drive solutions across functions.
Plus factors include experience planning multi-year technical roadmaps, mentoring senior engineers across organizations, and expertise in large-scale distributed AI training. Figma values curiosity and growth mindset—if you're excited about the role but your background doesn't perfectly match every requirement, you're encouraged to apply.
This is a full-time role available from Figma's San Francisco or New York hubs, or remote within the United States.
