Principal Applied Scientist

Adobe Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Adobe Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the development of knowledge-grounded AI systems. In this pivotal role, you will architect graph-driven search and generative systems, focusing on semantic architecture to enhance product capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in AI/ML, particularly in knowledge graphs and multimodal learning, with over a decade of practical experience.

This position offers a chance to influence the strategic direction of AI at Adobe and mentor a team of senior scientists.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience building and deploying large-scale AI/ML systems.
• Deep expertise in knowledge graphs, NLP/intent modeling, and multimodal learning.
• Proven track record delivering production-grade semantic platforms.

Responsibilities

• Build and evolve large-scale knowledge-grounded systems.
• Architect next-generation graph-driven search and grounded generative systems.
• Set the strategic direction for knowledge grounded AI.
• Mentor senior scientists and craft cross-org technical direction.

Skills

Knowledge graphs

Information retrieval

NLP/intent modeling

Multimodal learning

AI/ML systems

Education

PhD or equivalent experience in Computer Science, AI, ML

Job description

The Opportunity

In SDC (Search, Discovery, and Content AI), we power semantic search, recommendations, and agentic experiences across Adobe's creative ecosystem. A core priority is knowledge-grounded AI - integrating knowledge graphs, multimodal embeddings, LLMs, and ranking systems to deeply understand intent and creative content.

We're hiring a Principal Scientist to define how structured knowledge and foundation models work together at scale. You will architect next-generation graph-driven search, hybrid retrieval, and grounded generative systems that power real products used by millions. This is a deeply technical, high-ownership role!

What You'll Do

You will build and evolve large-scale knowledge-grounded systems that connect queries, entities, concepts, and multimodal signals into coherent semantic architectures.

• Hybrid neural-symbolic retrieval and ranking
• Structured intent modeling and entity grounding
• Multimodal representations aligned with knowledge graphs
• Graph-grounded RAG and agentic systems

You will also raise the scientific and architectural bar by:

• Defining evaluation frameworks for intent accuracy, entity grounding fidelity, graph coverage, and semantic relevance
• Establishing modeling and experimentation standards across teams
• Driving principled system building rooted in measurable impact
• Mentoring senior scientists and crafting cross-org technical direction

Expect ambiguous problems, deep technical challenges, and visible product impact!

Scope & Impact

At the P60 level, you will build semantic architecture across multiple products and set the strategic direction for knowledge grounded AI. You will architect how our knowledge-graphs and foundation models evolve in tandem. You will be a recognized authority in knowledge-centric AI systems.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience (preferred) or MS in Computer Science, AI, ML, or related field
• 10+ years building and deploying large-scale AI/ML systems
• Deep expertise in knowledge graphs, information retrieval, NLP/intent modeling, multimodal learning, or LLM/RAG systems
• Proven track record delivering production-grade semantic platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing ontologies or evolving domain taxonomies
• Familiarity with graph embeddings, GNNs, or hybrid graph-LLM architectures
• Experience with entity linking, semantic parsing, or large-scale indexing systems
• History of cross-organizational technical influence

What Sets You Apart

You think in systems, not isolated models.

You hold a high bar for rigor, clarity, and measurable impact.

You influence through technical depth and sound judgment.

You care about correctness - and building things that last!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Learn more.