Software Engineer, (ML)

# REMOTE SOFTWARE ENGINEER, MACHINE LEARNING## About the RoleFigma is seeking a versatile and experienced Machine Learning / AI Engineer to join its growing AI team at the intersection of applied machine learning, infrastructure, and product innovation. In this role, you’ll build intelligent search and discovery systems, scalable data pipelines, AI-powered creativity tools, and other ML-driven capabilities that improve user productivity and shape new product experiences.You’ll work closely with software engineers, AI researchers, designers, and product managers to deliver high-quality machine learning features and infrastructure. Successful candidates will combine strong software engineering and applied ML experience with the ability to collaborate across functions, develop production-ready systems, and explore new technical possibilities.## Key Responsibilities- Design, build, and productionize machine learning models for Search, Discovery, Ranking, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and generative AI features.- Build and maintain scalable data pipelines for high-quality training and evaluation datasets.- Develop annotation systems and human-in-the-loop workflows for machine learning and AI systems.- Collaborate with AI researchers on datasets, evaluation metrics, and model architectures to improve model quality and relevance.- Partner with product engineers to define and deliver impactful AI features across Figma’s platform.- Work with infrastructure engineers to develop and optimize systems for ML training, inference, monitoring, and deployment.- Explore emerging AI technologies and help shape Figma’s long-term AI vision.- Mentor and lead others while contributing to technical excellence and innovation.## Required Qualifications- 5+ years of industry experience in software engineering.- 3+ years of experience focused on applied machine learning or AI.- Strong experience with end-to-end machine learning model development, including training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.- Proficiency in Python.- Familiarity with machine learning libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, Spark MLlib, or XGBoost.- Experience designing and building scalable data and annotation pipelines.- Experience building evaluation systems for AI model quality.- Experience mentoring or leading others and contributing to a culture of technical excellence and innovation.## Preferred Qualifications- Familiarity with search relevance, ranking, NLP, or RAG systems.- Experience with AI infrastructure and MLOps, including observability, CI/CD, and ML workflow automation.- Experience working on creative or design-focused machine learning applications.- Knowledge of additional programming languages such as C++ or Go.- Product mindset with the ability to connect technical work to user outcomes and business impact.- Strong collaboration and communication skills, particularly across engineering, product, and research functions.## Skills & Competencies- Applied machine learning and AI engineering- Software engineering- Machine learning model development- Model training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring- Python programming- ML libraries and frameworks- Data pipeline development- Data annotation and human-in-the-loop workflows- AI model evaluation and quality measurement- Search, discovery, ranking, retrieval, and RAG- Generative AI- AI infrastructure and MLOps- Observability, CI/CD, and automation- Technical leadership and mentoring- Cross-functional collaboration- Communication- Product thinking- Problem-solving and technical innovation## Education & Experience**Education**- No specific education requirement is stated in the job description.**Experience**- 5+ years of industry experience in software engineering.- 3+ years focused on applied machine learning or AI.- Experience developing and productionizing ML models end to end.- Experience building scalable data, annotation, and AI evaluation systems.- Experience mentoring or leading others.## Work Arrangement & Schedule- **Work arrangement:** Remote or US hub-based- **Employment type:** Full-time- **Remote eligibility:** Remote within the United States- **Hub locations:** Figma’s US hubs, including San Francisco and New York- **Schedule:** No specific weekly-hour requirement is stated.- **Video interviews:** Candidates are required to keep their cameras on during video interviews.- **Onboarding:** Hired employees are required to attend in-person onboarding.## Compensation & Benefits- **Annual base salary range:** $153,000–$376,000 USD- For roles available remotely, the pay range is localized according to employee work location by a factor of 80%–100% of the stated range. Candidates should discuss their specific work location with their recruiter.- Figma offers equity and a competitive package of additional benefits, including:- Health, dental, and vision benefits- Retirement with company contribution- Parental leave and reproductive or family planning support- Mental health and wellness benefits- Generous PTO- Company recharge days- Learning and development stipend- Work-from-home stipend- Cell phone reimbursement- Annual bonus plan for eligible non-sales rolesCompensation and benefits are subject to change and may be modified in the future.## Compliance / Additional InformationFigma is an equal opportunity workplace 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. Figma also considers qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.Figma provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the application, interview, and employment process. Accommodation examples may include accessible interview locations, closed captioning for video conferencing, screen-reader-compatible written communications, and changes to the mode or format of interviews. Accommodation requests can be directed to accommodations-ext@figma.com.Figma values continuous learning and encourages candidates to apply even if their experience does not align perfectly with every qualification listed, as they may be a strong fit for this or another role.By applying, candidates acknowledge and agree that personal data contained in their application or supporting materials will be processed in accordance with Figma’s Candidate Privacy Notice.