Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Firefly

Adobe Systems GmbH; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 193,000 - 363,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to lead the development of generative AI systems. In this pivotal role, you will guide a talented team in architecting efficient inference pipelines and building APIs that integrate cutting-edge generative models into flagship products. With a focus on performance and scalability, you will tackle complex engineering challenges while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI technology in a collaborative environment, making a significant impact across various Adobe products.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in machine learning with production-scale deployments.
• Deep experience with GenAI frameworks and tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of core GenAI services and APIs.
• Build and optimize GPU-accelerated pipelines for model training.

Skills

Machine Learning

Generative AI

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science

Equivalent industry experience

Tools

PyTorch

CUDA

Triton

TensorRT

Nvidia Dynamo

Python

Kubernetes

Job description

JOB LEVEL

M60/P60

EMPLOYEE ROLE

Individual Contributor

Adobe Firefly’sGenerative AI Servicesteam is seeking aPrincipal Machine Learning Engineerto serve as the technical lead for our GenAI Services area. In this high-impact role, you will lead a team of talented engineers in building scalable, high-performance generative AI systems—powering features across Adobe products like Firefly, Photoshop, Illustrator, Express, Stock, and Premiere.You will architect and develop efficient inference pipelines, optimize models for latency and through at inference, and build APIs and ecosystems that integrate both Adobe’s first-party and third-party generative models. As a hands-on technical leader, you will tackle Adobe’s most complex engineering challenges, set technical direction, and mentor a growing organization of ML engineers.Job Responsibilities

• Lead the developmentof core GenAI services and APIs that integrate a wide range of generative models into Adobe’s flagship products.
• Design and architectML workflows for enterprise-scale model customization, serving, and ecosystem integration.
• Build and optimizeGPU-accelerated pipelines for both (customized) model training and inference—prioritizing performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership, guiding engineers through architecture, design, implementation, and best practices.
• Research and evaluateemerging ML and MLOps technologies to enhance engineering velocity and system performance.
• Drive cross-functional alignmentby partnering with Product Managers, TPMs, and other engineering leaders to define and deliver on the roadmap.
• Lead design reviews and set technical standards, ensuring high reliability and maintainability across systems.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and continuous improvement across the organization.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field—or equivalent industry experience.
• 8+ years of experience in machine learning, including production-scale deployments.
• 3+ years of experience leading large-scale, GPU-intensive GenAI systems (training, inference, and optimization).
• Deep experience with GenAI frameworks and tools such asPyTorch, CUDA, Triton, TensorRT,Nvidia Dynamo, and Python.
• Strong understanding of generative model architectures, includingdiffusion models, transformers, and GANs.
• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams through complex, high-stakes initiatives.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a track record of driving alignment in matrixed organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience withmodel serving, orchestration, and GPU resource managementin large-scale environments.
• Hands-on expertise inKubernetes, distributed systems, and MLOps platforms.

#FireflyGenAI

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this positionis $193,900 -- $362,400 annually. Paywithin this range varies by work locationand may also depend on job-related knowledge, skills,and experience. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the job location during the hiring process.

At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).

In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.

State-Specific Notices:

California:

Fair Chance Ordinances

Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

Colorado:

Application Window Notice

If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.

Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Legal Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Internal Opportunities

Creativity, curiosity, and constant learning are celebrated aspects of your career growth journey. We’re glad that you’re pursuing a new opportunity at Adobe!

Put your best foot forward:

1. Update your Resume/CV and Workday profile – don’t forget to include your uniquely ‘Adobe’ experiences and volunteer work.

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3. Check out these tips to help you prep for interviews.

4. If you are applying for a role outside of your current country, ensure you review the International Resources for Relocating Employees on Inside Adobe, including the impacts to your Benefits, AIP, Equity & Payroll.

Once you apply for a role via Workday, the Talent Team will reach out to you within 2 weeks. If you move into the official interview process with the hiring team, make sure you inform your manager so they can champion your career growth.

At Adobe, you will be immersed in an exceptional work environment that is recognized around the world. You will also be surrounded by colleagues who are committed to helping each other grow through our unique Check-In approach where ongoing feedback flows freely. If you’re looking to make an impact, Adobe's the place for you. Discover what our employees are saying about their career experiences on the Adobe Life blog and explore the meaningful benefits we offer.

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