Manager, Software Engineering - Expressive AI

About Figma

Figma is dedicated to making design accessible to all by empowering teams to bring ideas to life. Our platform supports brainstorming, prototyping, translating designs into code, and iterating with AI. Join us to shape the future of design and collaboration.

About the Role: Manager, Software Engineering - Expressive AI

The Expressive AI team at Figma focuses on applying generative AI models to design challenges. As the Manager, Software Engineering - Expressive AI, you will lead a team of engineers to integrate AI techniques into creative workflows, which are crucial for the future of the design at Figma. This involves surfacing AI capabilities in Figma’s flagship design editor and collaborating with partner teams across products like Buzz, Slides, and FigJam to extend these features across the entire Figma ecosystem.

This full-time role can be based in our NYC hub or held remotely within the Eastern time zone of the United States. We are seeking an experienced engineering leader to help scale Figma while maintaining the high quality and craft our users expect. You will partner closely with Product, Design, Data, Marketing, and Go-To-Market teams to define the roadmap for these features and deepen user engagement with designers.

What You'll Do

• Partner with Product and Design to develop and execute a long-term roadmap for world-class user experiences in Figma.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners and engineering teams to advance the application of AI to creative problems.
• Hire, manage, support, and develop a team of engineers, including staff-level engineers.
• Establish trust and accountability within and across teams, fostering a positive work environment.
• Grow your career within Figma's engaged and creative engineering community.
• Help drive diversity and inclusion initiatives through hiring, community events, and cross-functional programs.

What We're Looking For

• 4+ years of experience hiring and leading engineering teams as a manager.
• Ability to think strategically about engineering and product roadmaps, both short and long-term.
• Demonstrated experience applying AI advancements from engineering and product perspectives, specifically with LLMs, diffusion models, and image/video generation.
• Proven leadership in building high-performing, engaged engineering teams, with a strong track record of motivating, mentoring, and guiding senior engineers while hiring top talent.
• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills with Product, Design, and Marketing, and other engineering teams for customer and internal projects.
• A strong sense of technical curiosity, a willingness to learn and grow, and a genuine passion for design and craft.

Bonus Points If You Have

• Experience working with or on design/creative tooling.

Our Commitment to Growth and Inclusion

At Figma, we value growth and believe in hiring curious individuals eager to learn. If your experience doesn't perfectly align, we still encourage you to apply. Figma is an equal opportunity workplace, committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application and employment process.

Compensation and Benefits

For roles in San Francisco or New York, the annual base salary range is $250,000-$350,000 USD. Compensation is determined by qualifications, market demands, and work location. Remote roles are localized. Figma offers equity, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, parental leave, mental health support, generous PTO, learning stipends, and more.

Key Skills/Competency

• Engineering Management
• Generative AI
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Diffusion Models
• Image/Video Generation
• Product Roadmap
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Team Leadership
• Design Thinking
• Creative Workflows