AI Machine Learning Engineer - Query Understanding Palo Alto; San Francisco - Perplexity AI : Job Details

At Perplexity, we've experienced tremendous growth and adoption since launching the world's first fully functional conversational answer engine in 2022. We have grown from answering 2.5 million questions per day at the start of 2024 to around 20 million daily queries in December 2024. We also offer Perplexity Enterprise Pro, serving leading companies like Nvidia, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bridgewater, and Zoom.

Supported by significant funding from top technology investors, including IVP, NEA, Jeff Bezos, NVIDIA, Databricks, Bessemer Venture Partners, Elad Gil, Nat Friedman, Daniel Gross, Naval Ravikant, Tobi Lutke, among others, our team has expanded by nearly 300% in 2024, and we are just getting started.

Perplexity is seeking experienced Applied AI & ML Engineers to develop and enhance our query understanding systems. Your focus will be on understanding user intent deeply and accurately, which is essential for delivering relevant, high-quality, and context-aware responses.

• 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.
• Collaborate with Product Managers and engineers to ensure fast, high-quality delivery to users.

• Strong programming skills across the stack, especially in recommendation systems or LLM stacks.
• Experience training DNN and Transformer models.
• Self-motivated with a strong ownership mindset.
• Passion for shipping quality products.
• 4+ years of industry experience in search, information retrieval, recommendation systems, applied machine learning, or NLP.

The compensation range for this role is $200,000 - $280,000, with final amounts depending on experience and expertise. Equity may also be part of the total package. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

* indicates a required field

First Name *

Last Name *

Preferred First Name

Email *

Phone

Resume/CV

Enter manually or upload (pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf)

Website

LinkedIn Profile

Do you require visa sponsorship now or in the future? *

Are you located in the San Francisco Bay Area? *

Are you open to a hybrid work schedule (In office M-W-F)? *

How do you use AI in your daily life and work? *

Why do you think you are a good fit for Perplexity? *

Describe a recent project related to Query Understanding / NLP / Search Quality you are proud of, and why.

What do you believe is the most important aspect to get right in building the best AI search engine?