AIML - Machine Learning Research Engineer, Data and Machine Learning Innovation
Apple
Software Engineering, Data Science
Cupertino, CA, USA
USD 147,400-272,100 / year + Equity
Posted on Jan 16, 2026
As a Research Engineer you will play a critical role to advance Apple Foundation Models to the next level. You will help turn research breakthroughs into tangible values and deliver state-of-the-art model capabilities to support Apple Intelligence. You will drive innovations with data intelligence from variety of sources, combined with applied research in the areas of LLMs, Visual Understanding, Agentic & Reasoning models, and image & video generation to delight Apple’s customers
In this role, you will focus on: Modeling: design and build models, feature engineering that help achieve desired outcome in multiple modalities across pre-train, mid-train and post-train stages Evaluation: be able to go deep and perform model & data analysis to hill climb on general as well as specific model capabilities Optimization: implement scalable data pipelines, optimize models with data intelligence for performance and efficiency, and ensure they are production ready Data: be obsessed with data quality, work with large amounts of data and build effective data processing steps that are proven to drive results Learn and collaborate: work closely with software engineers, data scientists and program managers to understand complex user-facing feature challenges. Take part in to share frontier knowledge in the field and maintain high-quality engineering practices
- Master or PhDs Degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science or a related field.
- Demonstrated proficiency in ML frameworks like PyTorch or Tensorflow.
- Proven track record in Deep Learning research or industry.
- Strong foundation in Computer Science and software engineering with excellent problem-solving & analytical skills.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and ability to drive clarity from ambiguity.
- In-depth hands-on experience with transformer models and deep reinforcement learning.
- Familiarity with pre-training and fine-tuning multi-modal LLMs.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams as a good communicator with clear and concise, active listening and empathy skills.
- Self-motivated and curious, stay on top of the relevant frontier technologies.
- Have demonstrated creative and critical thinking with an innate drive to improve how things work.
- Have a high tolerance for ambiguity.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.