AI Applied Scientist

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

• 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

Pay Transparency Disclosure

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.

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. Figma also offers 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.

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.

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.