Description
We are seeking a versatile and experienced Machine Learning / AI Engineer to join our growing AI team, working at the intersection of applied machine learning, infrastructure, and product innovation. Your work will drive user productivity, shape new product experiences, and advance the state of AI at Figma.
As a Machine Learning / AI Engineer, you will design, build, and productionize ML models for Search, Discovery, Ranking, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and generative AI features. You will also build and maintain scalable data pipelines to collect high-quality training and evaluation datasets, including annotation systems and human-in-the-loop workflows.
You will collaborate closely with engineers, researchers, designers, and product managers across multiple teams to deliver high-quality ML-driven features and infrastructure. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role where you will shape both foundational systems and user-facing capabilities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design, build, and productionize ML models for Search, Discovery, Ranking, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and generative AI features.
- Build and maintain scalable data pipelines to collect high-quality training and evaluation datasets, including annotation systems and human-in-the-loop workflows.
- Collaborate with AI researchers to iterate on datasets, evaluation metrics, and model architectures to improve quality and relevance.
- Work with product engineers to define and deliver impactful AI features across Figma's platform.
- Partner with infrastructure engineers to develop and optimize systems for training, inference, monitoring, and deployment.
- Explore new ideas at the edge of what's technically possible and help shape the long-term AI vision at Figma.
Requirements include:
- 5+ years of industry experience in software engineering, with 3+ years focused on applied machine learning or AI.
- Strong experience with end-to-end ML model development, including training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.
- Proficiency in Python and familiarity with ML libraries like PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, Spark MLlib, or XGBoost.
- Experience designing and building scalable data and annotation pipelines, as well as evaluation systems for AI model quality.
- Experience mentoring or leading others and contributing to a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Familiarity with search relevance, ranking, NLP, or RAG systems.
- Experience with AI infrastructure and MLOps, including observability, CI/CD, and automation for ML workflows.
- Experience working on creative or design-focused ML applications.
- Knowledge of additional languages such as C++ or Go is a plus, but not required.
- A product mindset with the ability to tie technical work to user outcomes and business impact.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, especially when working across functions (engineering, product, research).
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.