AI Machine Learning Engineer - Query Understanding (San Francisco)

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine founded in December 2022 and growing rapidly as one of the world's leading AI platforms. Perplexity has raised over $1B in venture investment from some of the world's most visionary and successful leaders, including Elad Gill, Daniel Gross, Jeff Bezos, Accel, IVP, NEA, Nvidia, Samsung, and many more. Our objective is to build accurate, trustworthy AI that powers decision-making for people and assistive AI wherever decisions are being made. Throughout human history, change and innovation have always been driven by curious people. Today, curious people use Perplexity to answer more than 780 million queries every montha number that's growing rapidly for one simple reason : everyone can be curious.

Perplexity is seeking experienced Applied AI & ML Engineers to build and improve the query understanding systems that power our next-generation information discovery experience. In this role, you'll focus on understanding user intent deeply and accurately, which is foundational to providing relevant, high-quality, and context-aware responses.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop core machine learning models for query understanding, including intent classification, query rewriting, agentic task decomposition, and function calling.
• Leverage and fine-tune LLMs to capture nuanced user intent and contextual signals from user queries and behaviors.
• Deliver end-to-end ML solutions and own the full stack to optimize query understanding.
• Partner with Product manager and collaborate with other engineers to ensure fast and high quality deliverable to end users.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills with the ability to work across the stack in a typical recommendation system or LLM stack.
• Experience in training DNN and Transformer architecture models.
• Self-motivated with a willingness to take ownership of tasks.
• A passion for shipping quality products.
• 4+ years of industry experience in related fields, including search, information retrieval, recommendation system, applied machine learning, and NLP.

The cash compensation range for this role is $200,000 - $280,000.

Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including, experience and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

Equity : In addition to the base salary, equity may be part of the total compensation package.

Benefits : Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. Includes a 401(k) plan.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

Software Development

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