AI Applied Scientist

Figma

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San Francisco, CA • New York, NY • United States First seen 3 weeks, 1 day ago Last seen 9 hours, 41 minutes ago Greenhouse

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Job Description

AI Summary

• Develop and deploy generative AI models and features to enhance Figma's design platform, combining research with industry best practices and first-principles approaches. • Requires 4+ years in generative AI, 6+ years in ML/NLP/computer vision, and strong proficiency with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, JAX, HuggingFace) and reinforcement learning techniques like DPO and PPO. • Work cross-functionally with product and infrastructure teams to translate user feedback into AI system requirements and build evaluation systems for feature quality. • Must have 5+ years of software engineering experience in Python, C++, Java, or R, with proven ability to design and implement production-grade AI systems. • Full-time role available at US hubs or remote within the United States; preference given to candidates with experience mentoring senior engineers and planning multi-year AI roadmaps.

Figma is growing our team of passionate creatives and builders on a mission to make design accessible to all. Figma’s platform helps teams bring ideas to life—whether you're brainstorming, creating a prototype, translating designs into code, or iterating with AI. From idea to product, Figma empowers teams to streamline workflows, move faster, and work together in real time from anywhere in the world. If you're excited to shape the future of design and collaboration, join us!

We’re looking for applied scientists with a Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence background to build AI technologies and make Figma products more magical.. You will be driving fundamental and applied research in this area. You will be combining industry best practices and a first-principles approach to design and build AI/ML models and systems to improve Figma’s products.

This is a full time role that can be held from one of our US hubs or remotely in the United States.

What you’ll do at Figma:

You will be driving fundamental and applied research in AI. You will explore the boundaries of what is possible with the current technology set to build best in class models for Figma’s domains
You will be combining 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 quality of AI features in Figma products

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

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

While not required, It’s an added plus if you also have:

Proven track record of planning multi-year roadmap 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

At Figma, one of our values is Grow as you go. We believe in hiring smart, curious people who are excited to learn and develop their skills. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the points outlined in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Pay Transparency Disclosure

If based in Figma’s San Francisco or New York hub offices, this role has the annual base salary range stated below.

Job level and actual compensation will be decided based on factors including, but not limited to, individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process (including skills and prior relevant experience, potential impact, and scope of role), market demands, and specific work location. The listed range is a guideline, and the range for this role may be modified. For roles that are available to be filled remotely, the pay range is localized according to employee work location by a factor of between 80% and 100% of range. Please discuss your specific work location with your recruiter for more information.

Figma offers equity to employees, as well a competitive package of additional benefits, including health, dental & vision, retirement with company contribution, parental leave & reproductive or family planning support, mental health & wellness benefits, generous PTO, company recharge days, a learning & development stipend, a work from home stipend, and cell phone reimbursement. Figma also offers sales incentive pay for most sales roles and an annual bonus plan for eligible non-sales roles. Figma’s compensation and benefits are subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Annual Base Salary Range:

$153,000—$376,000 USD

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 accommodations-ext@figma.com. These modifications enable an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity not only to get a job, but successfully perform their job tasks to the same extent as people without disabilities.

Examples of accommodations include but are not limited to:

Holding interviews in an accessible location
Enabling closed captioning on video conferencing
Ensuring all written communication be compatible with screen readers
Changing the mode or format of interviews

To ensure the integrity of our hiring process and facilitate a more personal connection, we require all candidates keep their cameras on during video interviews. Additionally, if hired you will be required to attend in person onboarding.

By applying for this job, the candidate acknowledges and agrees that any personal data contained in their application or supporting materials will be processed in accordance with Figma's Candidate Privacy Notice.

Skills

java python go

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Job Information

Company:
Figma
Location:
San Francisco, CA • New York, NY • United States
Job Type:
Full-Time
Experience Level:
Senior
Source:
Greenhouse
Status:
Active

Activity Score

66 /100

Likely Active (66)

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