Senior Corporate IT Engineer at Perplexity (San Francisco, CA)
Perplexity· San Francisco, CA· $150k–$230k·
Role details
Equity
Perplexity at a glance
AI-powered answer engine that returns real-time, cited answers, now expanding into an agentic browser and on-device agents.
Perplexity runs an AI answer engine that searches the live web and returns direct, cited answers instead of a page of links. It has extended that core into an AI browser (Comet), an on-device agent (Computer), a developer API, and vertical tools like patent search.
$1.7B raised · latest: Series E extension · $200M · 2025 (reported $20B valuation) · backed by Accel, IVP, NEA, SoftBank Vision Fund 2
Summary
Perplexity AI is seeking an experienced IT Systems Administrator to manage technology infrastructure, including mobile device management, security policies, and endpoint optimization. The role involves providing technical support, leading IT projects, and training staff on macOS and GSuite environments.
Job description
At Perplexity, we're changing how the world finds answers. In 2026, we launched Computer, the defining product for the new era of agentic AI. Millions of people now use Perplexity to transform knowledge into action, and behind all of that sits the technology infrastructure that keeps a fast-moving company running.
We're looking for an IT Systems Administrator who wants to do more than keep the lights on. This is an early, high-impact role where you'll build the systems and automations that let our team move even faster. You won't just respond to tickets. You'll figure out how to make them disappear. We give our IT team the same AI tools we build for everyone else, and we expect you to use them.
This role is based in-person at our San Francisco office.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Use Perplexity's own Computer product to build AI automations, custom skills, and IT workflows that take repetitive work off your plate.
- Work and tune agentic IT ticketing, including ticket analysis, creation of KPIs and building of workflows that resolve common requests automatically.
- Automate the management of users and devices so IT is as hands-off as possible.
- Enable Self Service and help other departments automate their processes as well.
- Manage and optimize corporate software systems.
- Improve our Mobile Device Management (MDM) setup and create a very polished Onboarding experience.
- Roll out and enforce strong security policies.
- Lead IT projects across endpoint management, IAM and the IT backendTrain and support staff on IT systems, in person and remotely.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 7+ years of hands-on IT systems administration experience.
- Strong skills in macOS and Google Workspace.
- Hands-on expertise administering and automating Okta, including securing access with strong auth policies and end‑to‑end user lifecycle automation using Okta Workflows; scripting experience with Bash or Python is highly preferred.
- Sharp troubleshooting instincts across MDM, Okta and common SaaS applications.
- A solid grasp of cybersecurity fundamentals, including IAM, RBAC, least privilege and encryption.
- Experience managing a ticketing system, including ITIL Problem Management and creating and monitoring of SLAs.
- A track record of leading IT projects from upgrade to rollout with minimum supervision.
- Clear communication and a genuine interest in automating away busywork.
Why work at Perplexity
- Culture & Environment: “Thoughtful support” culture with emphasis on craftsmanship, ownership, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and partnership. Hybrid schedule (4 days in-office) based on location.
- Perks: Daily catered meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner in office), office snacks, ride home program, commuter benefits, home office reimbursement, fitness classes, gym memberships.
- Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary and equity packages; retirement plans with company match; flexible PTO; holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Year; 12 weeks paid bonding leave; comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Relocation & Visa Support: Relocation assistance and visa/green card sponsorship for eligible roles. Partners with immigration firm to support the process.
- Engineering Excellence: “Technical assessment for relevant roles”; values hands-on contribution, broad skill sets, and merit-based evaluation. Frequent Tech Talks and exposure to greenfield AI research problems.