AIML - Machine Learning Engineer, Foundation Models

Apple Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Employee stock programs

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to design scalable ML infrastructure for foundation models across text, image, speech, and multi-modal domains. The role focuses on productionizing state-of-the-art AI algorithms with privacy and security in mind for on‑device intelligence.

The candidate will work on pre‑training and mid‑training strategies, optimize performance, and collaborate across teams to deliver production-ready AI solutions at scale.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related technical field.
• Expert-level programming skills in Python.
• Proficiency in ML frameworks such as Jax, PyTorch, TensorFlow.
• Strong background in distributed training, model optimization, and ML infrastructure.
• Experience with large-scale model training and deployment.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes, Docker, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Distributed computing frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable ML infrastructure for foundation models across text, image, speech, and multi-modal domains.
• Collaborate with teams to productionize state-of-the-art AI algorithms.
• Optimize models for performance, efficiency, and on-device intelligence.
• Implement ML systems with stringent privacy and security requirements.
• May manage a small team of engineers.

Skills

Python

Distributed training

Model optimization

ML infrastructure

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field

Tools

Jax

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Kubernetes

Docker

Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)

Job description

AIML - Machine Learning Engineer, Foundation Models

Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

Apple is revolutionizing artificial intelligence by developing sophisticated foundation models that power intelligent features across our product ecosystem. We’re seeking skilled Machine Learning Engineers to transform cutting‑edge research into scalable, production‑ready AI solutions. We are looking for engineers who are passionate about building systems that push the frontier of deep learning in terms of scaling, efficiency, and flexibility and delight millions of users in Apple products.

Description

We build frontier foundation models that power intelligent experiences at Apple. Our team works across the full training lifecycle: including pre‑training foundation models, and developing mid‑training approaches that bridge general capability and task‑specific performance. What makes our work distinct is that we’re engineering models specifically for Apple silicon and optimized for experiences that are private, personal, and deeply integrated into the OS. We’re solving frontier problems in reward modeling to resist reward hacking, handling sparse and delayed rewards in agentic settings, and aligning models reliably across the spectrum from open‑ended creative tasks to precise, action‑taking workflows. If you’re drawn to hard problems where the research and the product are inseparable, this is the team.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, reliable and high‑performance machine learning infrastructure for foundation models across text, image, speech, and multi‑modal domains
• Collaborate with other teams to productionize state‑of‑the‑art AI algorithms
• Optimize models for performance, efficiency, and on‑device intelligence
• Implement machine learning systems with stringent privacy and security requirements
• May also be required to manage a small team of engineers.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related technical field
• Expert‑level programming skills in Python
• Proficiency in machine learning frameworks such as Jax, PyTorch, TensorFlow
• Strong background in: Distributed training, Model optimization, and Machine learning infrastructure
• Experience with large‑scale model training and deployment
• Familiarity with: Kubernetes, Docker, Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
• Distributed computing frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with foundation models and large language models
• Background in multi‑modal AI systems
• Demonstrated ability to transform research prototypes into production systems
• Published research or significant contributions to open‑source ML projects
• Understanding of on‑device machine learning techniques

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.