AIML - ML Researcher, AFM

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Apple stock programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Apple's Machine Learning and AI team in Cupertino, California is building frontier foundation models optimized for Apple silicon, privacy, and deep OS integration.

You will work across the full training lifecycle—including pre-training foundation models and developing mid-training approaches that bridge general capability and task-specific performance—addressing reward modeling, sparse and delayed rewards, and alignment challenges for real-world experiences.

Qualifications

• Deep learning expertise with publications or strong product applications.
• Python programming proficiency with JAX, PyTorch, or TensorFlow.
• Collaborative, team-oriented work style.
• PhD or equivalent practical experience in Computer Science or related field.

Skills

Deep learning expertise

Python programming

Collaborative work

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

JAX

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

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

Description

We believe that the most interesting problems in deep learning research arise when we try to apply learning to real-world use cases, and this is also where the most important breakthroughs come from. You will work with a close-knit and fast growing team of world-class engineers and scientists to tackle some of the most challenging problems in foundation models and deep learning, including end-to-end voice interactions, natural language processing, and combining learning with knowledge.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning with publication record in relevant conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, COLM, ACL, NAACL, EMNLP, CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, KDD, ACL, ICASSP, InterSpeech) or a track record in applying deep learning techniques to products
• Proficient programming skills in Python and one of the deep learning toolkits such as JAX, PyTorch, or Tensorflow
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• PhD, or equivalent practical experience, in Computer Science, or related technical field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in building end-to-end voice models
• Experience in speech recognitions and generations
• Experience in reinforcement learning, on-policy distillation
• Experience in post-training, mid-training large language models

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 $150,400 and $225,300, 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.