AI Applied Scientist

About the Role

Figma is seeking an applied scientist with a machine learning and artificial intelligence background to conduct fundamental and applied research and build AI models and systems that improve its products.

This full-time role can be based at a US hub or performed remotely within the United States. Listed locations include San Francisco, CA, and New York, NY.

Responsibilities

• Drive fundamental and applied AI research, exploring current technology to build best-in-class models for Figma’s domains.
• Combine industry best practices with first-principles approaches to build generative AI models using supervised fine-tuning, reinforcement learning, prompt improvements, and synthetic data generation.
• Partner with product and infrastructure engineers to deliver AI-powered features.
• Collaborate with product managers and engineers to translate user feedback into AI system requirements.
• Build evaluation systems to measure and improve AI feature quality.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience building generative AI features through prompt engineering and fine-tuning models in production.
• Experience with deep learning and generative AI frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, and Hugging Face.
• Experience training large language models with preference-based reinforcement learning, such as DPO or PPO, and/or reinforcement learning with verifiable rewards, such as GRPO or DAPO.
• At least 4 years of generative AI experience and 6 years in one or more of machine learning, natural language processing/understanding, or computer vision.
• Strong software engineering skills and at least 5 years of programming experience in Python, C++, Java, or R.
• Experience communicating and working across functions to drive solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Reinforcement learning experience using execution feedback for coding or non-verifiable rewards.
• A proven track record of planning multi-year roadmaps that connect shorter-term projects to a long-term vision.
• Experience mentoring or influencing senior engineers across organizations.
• Expertise in large-scale, distributed AI training.

Figma encourages applications from candidates whose experience does not perfectly match every listed qualification.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual base salary: $153,000–$376,000 USD.
• Job level and actual compensation depend on assessed qualifications, relevant experience, potential impact, role scope, market demands, and work location.
• Equity, health, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits with company contributions, parental leave, reproductive or family planning support, mental health and wellness benefits, and paid time off.
• Exempt employees are eligible for flexible paid PTO, subject to manager approval, and flexible paid sick leave. Holidays and other leave benefits are provided under applicable laws.
• Additional benefits may include company recharge days, cell phone and home internet reimbursements, and lifestyle spending accounts.
• Eligible non-sales roles may participate in an annual bonus plan. Compensation and benefits are subject to applicable plan terms and may change.

Interview and Application Requirements

• Candidates must keep their cameras on during video interviews.
• Hired candidates must attend in-person onboarding.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applications, interviews, and employment. Contact accommodations-ext@figma.com. Examples include accessible interview locations, closed captioning, screen-reader-compatible communications, and alternative interview formats.
• Application data is processed in accordance with Figma’s Candidate Privacy Notice.
• Candidates may submit up to 5 applications in any rolling 30-day period.
• Candidates may not reapply to the same role while an application is active or within 90 days of rejection. Applications may resume after the applicable period.