AI Scientist - ML

## About the Role
Figma is seeking a **Generative AI Scientist — Applied ML for Design** to build AI technologies that improve Figma products and shape the future of design and collaboration. This role combines fundamental and applied research with practical machine learning engineering to develop AI/ML models and systems for Figma's products and design-focused domains.
The role can be based remotely in the United States or from one of Figma's US hubs.
## Key Responsibilities
* Drive fundamental and applied research in AI and explore new possibilities for AI technologies within Figma's domains.
* Design and build Generative AI models using techniques such as Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT), Reinforcement Learning (RL), prompt improvement, and synthetic data generation.
* Apply industry best practices and first-principles approaches to AI/ML model and system development.
* Partner with product and infrastructure engineers to improve Figma products through AI-powered features.
* Collaborate with product managers and engineers to translate user feedback into requirements for AI systems.
* Build evaluation systems to measure and improve the quality of AI features.
* Contribute to the development and productionization of Generative AI capabilities.
## Required Qualifications
* Extensive experience building Generative AI features using prompt engineering and fine-tuning models in production environments.
* Experience with deep learning and Generative AI frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, and Hugging Face.
* Experience training LLMs with Reinforcement Learning techniques such as preference-based RL, including DPO or PPO, and/or RL with verifiable rewards, including GRPO or DAPO.
* 4+ years of experience in Generative AI.
* 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
* Machine Learning
* Natural Language Processing / Natural Language Understanding
* Computer Vision
* 5+ years of software engineering experience using programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or R.
* Strong ability to communicate and collaborate across functions to drive solutions.
## Preferred Qualifications
* Proven experience planning multi-year roadmaps where shorter-term projects contribute to a long-term vision.
* Experience mentoring or influencing senior engineers across organizations.
* Expertise in large-scale and distributed AI training.
* Experience with RL from execution feedback for coding.
* Experience with reinforcement learning involving non-verifiable rewards.
## Skills & Competencies
* Generative AI
* Applied Machine Learning
* Artificial Intelligence
* Large Language Models (LLMs)
* Prompt Engineering
* Model Fine-Tuning
* Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT)
* Reinforcement Learning
* DPO, PPO, GRPO, and DAPO
* Synthetic Data Generation
* PyTorch
* JAX
* Hugging Face
* Machine Learning
* Natural Language Processing / Understanding
* Computer Vision
* AI Evaluation Systems
* Python, C++, Java, or R
* Cross-functional collaboration
* Software Engineering
## Education & Experience
The job description does not specify a formal degree requirement.
Experience requirements include:
* 4+ years in Generative AI.
* 6+ years in Machine Learning, NLP/NLU, Computer Vision, or a related listed area.
* 5+ years of software engineering experience.
## Work Arrangement & Schedule
* **Location:** San Francisco, CA, US
* **Work Arrangement:** Remote within the United States, with the option to work from a Figma US hub.
* **Employment Type:** Full-time
* **Seniority:** Not explicitly stated in the detailed requirements.
* Remote employees may have compensation localized according to their work location.
## Compensation & Benefits
* **Annual Base Salary Range for San Francisco/New York hubs:** $149,000–$350,000 USD.
* Equity
* Health, dental, and vision benefits
* Retirement plan with company contribution
* Parental leave and reproductive/family planning support
* Mental health and wellness benefits
* Generous paid time off
* Company recharge days
* Learning and development stipend
* Work-from-home stipend
* Cell phone reimbursement
* Annual bonus plan for eligible non-sales roles
For remote roles, the pay range is localized according to employee work location by a factor of 80%–100% of the listed range.
## Additional Information
Figma is an equal opportunity workplace and provides reasonable accommodations throughout the application and employment process. Candidates participating in video interviews are required to keep their cameras on, and hired candidates are required to attend in-person onboarding.
## Apply Now
Apply now for the **Generative AI Scientist — Applied ML for Design** position at Figma.

Work arrangement
No