AI Machine Learning Engineer - Query Understanding

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.

At Perplexity, we've experienced tremendous growth and adoption since publicly launching the world's first fully functional conversational answer engine just over a year ago. Our AI-powered search assistant has amassed 10 million monthly active users as of early 2024, with our mobile apps installed over 1 million times across iOS and Android devices. In 2023 alone, we served over 500 million queries from users around the globe.

To support our rapid expansion, we've raised significant funding from some of the most respected investors in technology. In January 2024, we raised $73.6 million in a Series B round led by IVP, with participation from NVIDIA, Jeff Bezos' investment fund, NEA, Databricks, and other prominent firms. We followed that up with a $62.7 million Series B1 round in April 2024 led by Daniel Gross, valuing Perplexity at over $1 billion.
Our prominent investor base includes IVP, NEA, Jeff Bezos, NVIDIA, Databricks, Bessemer Venture Partners, Elad Gil, Nat Friedman, Naval Ravikant, Tobi Lutke, and many other visionary individuals.
 
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.