Manager, Machine Learning and Applied Science

Adobe Software

Adobe Software

Software Engineering
San Jose, CA, USA
USD 151,500-312,200 / year + Equity
Posted on Jun 28, 2025

JOB LEVEL

M40

EMPLOYEE ROLE

People Manager

The Opportunity

Adobe Firefly Applied Science & Machine Learning (ASML) group is looking for a Engineering Manager working on generative AI models for image synthesis to help us build the next generation of creative tools. We seek candidates with strong expertise in the field, as evidenced by peer-reviewed academic publications, combined with hands-on industrial research experience.
As a Manager for Applied Research at Adobe, you will be joining an outstanding team of applied researchers building the future of digital experiences. You will have the opportunity to develop novel ideas to advance the Creativity world through features in Adobe's products and reach millions of people worldwide!
Job Responsibilities
  • Manage a team of distributed highly skilled multi-functional applied research scientists.
  • Work closely with engineers, researchers, and product managers to implement AI/ML solutions for Adobe Firefly
  • Engage with Product/Researchv teams to estimate and build full experience pipelines to drive our models in production
  • Have an influence on our modeling roadmap in an attempt to drive value
  • Partner with other teams in Firefly and Adobe to align on priorities and drive our goals and projects forward
  • Develop and transfer novel technologies to Adobe products
  • Research and develop novel large-scale foundation models in Generative AI
  • Collaborate with extraordinary researchers and engineers to bring research ideas to production
  • Ability to convert a research idea/paper to code in Python and typical machine learning development toolkits.
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance.
What you'll need to succeed
  • Masters or Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI/ML or related fields
  • Excellent communication skills and a great teammate
  • Experience in state-of-the-art Generative AI technologies, such as GAN and/or diffusion models
  • Strong hands-on experience working on image and 3D editing
  • Experience with large-scale generative model training
  • Preferred experience:
  • Working with large-scale datasets
  • Working with product teams on technology transfers
  • Good publication record in Computer Science, AI/ML or related fields

#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 position is $151,500 -- $312,200 annually. Pay within this range varies by work location and 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.

2. Visit the Internal Mobility page on Inside Adobe to learn more about the process and set up a job alert for roles you’re interested in.

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.

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 applicable characteristics protected by law. Learn more.

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