Research Engineer - Special Projects
Apple
Seattle, WA, USA
Posted on Mar 17, 2026
We're seeking research engineers to build infrastructure for breakthrough innovations in AI agents, reinforcement learning, and simulation environments. You will design and implement high-quality data pipelines, simulation systems, and tooling that enable cutting-edge agent research. You will work in an organization of world-class machine learning researchers and engineers. Our work powers technologies across the Apple ecosystem and is published in the most selective scientific journals and conferences.
We are a team of best-in-the-world research scientists and engineers building the foundations for autonomous AI systems. We work on exciting new technologies that bring joy to millions of people. In our daily work, the team stays innovative, productive, and fun by sharing some key values:
- Passion for the mission: We're here to make something extraordinary. We seek whatever work is right and strive for the best possible results.
- Modesty: The right answer is more significant than being right. We search for solutions as a team and value clear-eyed feedback.
- Lean habits: You can't grow without limits. Time constraints and big goals encourage us to sharpen our focus and learn to make phenomenal decisions.
- 5+ years of software engineering experience in data-intensive applications, pipelines, or analysis tooling.
- Solid software engineering skills in complex systems. Fluency in Python.
- Experience with distributed systems—CI/CD at scale, distributed testing, or ML evaluation pipelines.
- Strong data analysis skills: SQL, statistical reasoning, and clear communication of findings.
- Demonstrated ability to ship production-quality systems end-to-end.
- Strong overall software development approach. You deliver clean, well-tested code.
- Bachelors or Masters Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or Physics from a strong program.
- 2+ years at a company building AI products or agent systems.
- Experience with job orchestration frameworks (Airflow, Prefect, Ray, etc.).
- Familiarity with macOS/iOS development ecosystems.
- Active personal interest in AI agents—you're already experimenting on your own time.
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.