AI Applied Scientist

AI Applied Scientist

San Francisco, CA • New York, NY • United States

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 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. Figma offers equity to employees, as well as 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. Figma provides paid sick leave, holidays, and other leave benefits in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the requirements of the Washington Minimum Wage Act and related regulations. 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. 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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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.