Principal AI Researcher, Agentforce Operations

salesforce.com, inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 197,300 - 313,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off programs

401(k) plan

Employee stock purchasing program

Job summary

Salesforce.com, inc. is looking for a Software Engineer to join their Foundational Models Team in Seattle, WA. This role involves designing and implementing deep learning models, prototyping new architectures, and advising on AI strategy to deliver customer value.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field and have experience with machine learning models. A competitive salary range of $197,300 – $313,700 annually is offered, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a highly quantitative field with an AI/ML research focus.
• Experience developing and deploying machine learning models in production or top-tier research environments.
• Production-grade Python skills for large-scale models.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and train deep learning models on GPU clusters.
• Prototype new architectures and algorithms for enterprise data.
• Advise on internal AI strategy while shipping well-engineered systems.

Skills

Deep learning

Machine learning models

Python

Transformer architectures

AI strategy

Education

Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Kubeflow

Airflow

MLflow

PySpark

Job description

Software Engineering – Foundational Models Team

Foundational Models Team develops the next generation of business intelligence and bridges the gap between cutting‑edge research and customer value. The team is part of Salesforce’s Agentforce Operations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Design, implement, and train novel deep learning models on large‑scale GPU clusters.
• Prototype new architectures and algorithms for enterprise data such as tabular, relational, and graph‑structured data.
• Stay current with AI research, apply relevant breakthroughs, and advise on internal AI strategy while shipping well‑engineered systems.
• Partner with engineering, product, and design teams to turn research into production‑ready features that deliver immediate customer value.

We’re Looking For

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a highly quantitative field with an AI/ML research focus.
• Experience developing, deploying, and evaluating machine learning models in production or top‑tier research environments, and a deep understanding of transformer architectures and advanced retrieval mechanisms.
• A track record of peer‑reviewed publications demonstrating novel, non‑standard AI solutions and foundational mathematical work such as stochastic modeling, graph theory, or optimization algorithms.
• Production‑grade Python skills, including experience with automatic differentiation frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow, and training large‑scale models across distributed GPU clusters using frameworks like DeepSpeed or TorchTitan.

Even Better If

• Experience building production‑grade ML pipelines using tools like Kubeflow, Airflow, or MLflow for tracking, versioning, and automated retraining.
• Built robust, distributed data pipelines for cleaning and analyzing massive datasets using tools like PySpark.

Benefits and Compensation

In the United States, compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, job level, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical base salary range for this position is $197,300 – $313,700 annually. In select cities within the San Francisco and New York City metropolitan area, the base salary range is $237,700 – $344,700 annually. The range represents base salary only and does not include company bonus, incentive for sales roles, equity, or benefits.

Benefits include time off programs, medical, dental, vision, mental health support, paid parental leave, life and disability insurance, 401(k), employee stock purchasing program, and equity.

More details about company benefits can be found at https://www.salesforcebenefits.com.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Salesforce is an equal‑opportunity employer and maintains a policy of non‑discrimination with all employees and applicants for employment. All employees and potential employees are assessed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to protected characteristics.

Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruiting process, submit a request via the Accommodations Request Form at https://www.salesforce.com/accommodations-request/.

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