AI Applied Scientist

About the Position

Join Figma as an AI Applied Scientist to drive fundamental and applied research in AI and machine learning. Figma is on a mission to make design accessible to all, and we're looking for passionate individuals to help us achieve this goal. If you're excited to shape the future of design and collaboration, join us!

Responsibilities

• Drive fundamental and applied research in AI. Explore the boundaries of what is possible with the current technology set to build best-in-class models for Figma’s domains.
• Combine industry best practices and a first-principles approach to build cutting-edge Generative AI models, using techniques like Supervised Finetuning (SFT), Reinforcement Learning (RL), prompt improvements, and synthetic data generation.
• Work in concert with product and infrastructure engineers to improve Figma’s products through AI-powered features.
• Collaborate closely with product managers and engineers to transform user feedback into requirements for AI systems.
• Build evaluation systems to measure and improve the quality of AI features in Figma products.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in building generative AI features through prompt engineering and fine-tuning models in production environments.
• Experience working on deep learning and generative AI frameworks like PyTorch, JAX, HuggingFace, etc.
• Experience training LLMs with Reinforcement Learning techniques such as preference-based RL (DPO, PPO) and/or RL with verifiable rewards (RLVR) such as GRPO/DAPO. Experience with RL from execution feedback for Coding, and RL with non-verifiable rewards will be a plus.
• 4+ years in Generative AI, and 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: machine learning, natural language processing/understanding, computer vision.
• Strong software engineering skills with 5+ years of experience in programming languages (Python, C++, Java, or R).
• Experience communicating and working across functions to drive solutions.

Nice to Have

• Proven track record of planning multi-year roadmaps in which shorter-term projects ladder to the long-term vision.
• Experience in mentoring/influencing senior engineers across organizations.
• Expertise working on large-scale and distributed AI training.

We Offer

• Competitive salary range: $153,000-$376,000 USD.
• Equity and a competitive package of additional benefits, including health, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits with company contributions; parental leave and reproductive or family planning support; mental health and wellness benefits; and paid time off.
• Paid sick leave, holidays, and other leave benefits in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Exempt employees are eligible for employer-provided paid flexible PTO in addition to flexible paid sick leave. PTO is subject to manager approval.
• Additional benefits may include company recharge days, cell phone and home internet reimbursements, and a number of lifestyle spending accounts.
• Sales incentive compensation for most sales roles and an annual bonus plan for eligible non-sales roles.
• All compensation and benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and may be modified by Figma at any time, consistent with applicable law.

About the Company

At Figma, we celebrate and support our differences. We know employing a team rich in diverse thoughts, experiences, and opinions allows our employees, our product, and our community to flourish. Figma is an equal opportunity workplace - we are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

We will work to ensure individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to apply for a role, participate in the interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you require accommodation, please reach out to [email protected].

Application limits: To help candidates focus on the opportunities most relevant to their skills and experience, Figma limits the number and frequency of applications. These limits apply to all roles:

• Candidates may submit up to 5 applications during any rolling 30-day period.
• Candidates may not reapply to the same role while an application is active or within 90 days of receiving a rejection.

Once the applicable days have passed, candidates are welcome to apply again.