Machine Learning Researcher - PhD (2023)

Key Skills

Computer Vision (CV), Machine learning techniques, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Python Programming, PyTorch, TensorFlow

Job Description

We’re looking for engineers with a background in machine learning & artificial intelligence to improve our products and build new capabilities. You'll be driving fundamental and applied research in this area. You’ll be combining industry best practices and a first-principles approach to design and build ML models and infrastructure that will improve Figma’s design and collaboration tool. 

What you’ll do at Figma:

• Drive fundamental and applied research in ML/AI, with Figma product use cases in mind 
• Formulate and implement new modeling approaches both to improve the effectiveness of Figma’s current models as well as enable the launch of entirely new AI-powered product features
• Work in concert with other ML researchers, as well as product and infrastructure engineers to productionize new models and systems to power features in Figma’s design and collaboration tool
• Explore the boundaries of what is possible with the current technology set and experiment with novel ideas

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

• Recently obtained a PhD or equivalent experience in an industry research role in AI, Computer Science or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in machine learning with publication record in relevant conferences, or a track record in applying machine learning techniques to products
• Experience in Python and machine learning frameworks (such as PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Experience building systems based on deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and/or generative models
• Experience solving sophisticated problems and comparing alternative solutions, trade-offs, and diverse points of view to determine a path forward
• Experience communicating and working across functions to drive solutions.

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. 

Read more about our team 

• Investing in Figma: The Decade of Design
• How work is changing at Figma
• Figma's next product is a multiplayer whiteboard called FigJam
• Software Design Startup Figma Is Now Worth $10 Billion
• Figma's Musical!
• The Future of Design Systems is Automated

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. Figma’s compensation and benefits are subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Annual Base Salary Range (SF/NY Hub):

$144,000—$210,000 USD

We will work to ensure individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please let your recruiter know if you require accommodation.