Perplexity is seeking an experienced Machine Learning Research Engineer to help build the next generation of advanced search technologies, with a focus on retrieval and ranking. Responsibilities Relentlessly push search quality forward — through models, data, tools, or any other leverage available Architect and build core components of the search platform and model stack Design, train, and optimize large-scale deep learning models using frameworks like PyTorch, leveraging distributed training (e.g., PyTorch Distributed, DeepSpeed, FSDP) and hardware acceleration, with a focus on retrieval and ranking models Conduct advanced research in representation learning, including contrastive learning, multilingual, and multimodal modeling for search and retrieval Deploy models — from boosting algorithms to LLMs — in a scalable and performant way Build and optimize RAG pipelines for grounding and answer generation Collaborate with Data, AI, Infrastructure, and Product teams to ensure fast and high-quality delivery Qualifications Deep understanding of search and retrieval systems, including quality evaluation principles and metrics Proven track record with large-scale search or recommender systems Strong proficiency with PyTorch, including experience in distributed training techniques and performance optimization for large models Expertise in representation learning, including contrastive learning and embedding space alignment for multilingual and multimodal applications Strong publication record in AI/ML conferences or workshops (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, CVPR, SIGIR) Self-driven, with a strong sense of ownership and execution Minimum of 3 years (preferably 5+) working on search, recommender systems, or closely related research areas
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Role overview
Job description
CSQ427R243 As a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) you will work with customers to build and productionize solutions to their data & AI challenges using the Databricks platform. You will own the architecture, lead design decisions, and implement end-to-end systems spanning data engineering, AI, and application development. We work cross-functionally to shape long-term strategic priorities and initiatives alongside engineering, product, and developer relations. FDEs deliver with customer empathy, integrating with client systems, training, and other technical needs to help customers get most value out of their data. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role for builders who thrive at the intersection of technology and business impact. The ideal candidate combines engineering expertise with adaptability, curiosity, and a passion for working with customers and teammates to solve complex problem
…What they are looking for
Skills & requirements
Qualification
Travel to customers 20% of the time Databricks Certification About Databricks Databricks is the Data and AI company; government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone
Department · Professional Services Operations

Hiring company
Databricks
Databricks offers a unified platform for data, analytics and AI. Build better AI with a data-centric approach. Simplify ETL, data warehousing, governance and AI on the Data + AI Platform.
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