AIML Researcher/Engineer - Foundation Model Post-Training

Apple Inc.; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 309,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Employee stock plan

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking an ambitious ML Researcher to shape the future of large-scale foundation models. You will transform models into capable, privacy-forward assistants powering Apple products, tackling instruction following, tool use, and deep reasoning in a fast-growing team.

You will partner with pre-training and product teams, shaping architecture choices and evaluating model performance across practical tasks, while aligning with Apple's privacy and user-centric goals.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning with a focus on LLMs, post-training, or reinforcement learning.
• Proficient programming in Python and a major deep learning framework (JAX or PyTorch).
• Masters/PhD, or equivalent practical experience in Computer Science, ML, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on post-training strategies (including Reinforcement Learning) for model behaviors.
• Pioneer algorithms for preference optimization, model steering, and safety.
• Drive data strategy with high-quality human and synthetic data generation and automated filtering.
• Design evaluation methodologies for model helpfulness, factuality, and utility.
• Collaborate with pre-training and product teams to align architecture with user requirements.

Skills

Deep learning

Python

JAX

PyTorch

Reinforcement learning

Research

Education

Masters/PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

JAX

PyTorch

Job description

Seattle, Washington, United States Machine Learning and AI

We are a tight-knit group of researchers and engineers responsible for building large scale frontier foundation models at Apple. We believe the most interesting breakthroughs in deep learning happen when we bridge the gap between raw model capability and user-centric utility.

Description

In this role, you will play a critical role shaping the future of our LLM efforts, specifically in transforming our models into highly capable, intelligent assistants that power billions of Apple products. You will tackle core training challenges in instruction following, tool use, deep reasoning, and architectural adaption — designing models that deliver magical, deeply integrated, and privacy-forward experiences across the Apple ecosystem. You will work alongside a fast-growing team of world-class experts to explore novel training strategies, architectural adaptations, and advanced evaluation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on end-to-end post-training strategies (including Reinforcement Learning) to unlock model capacities toward achieving specific model behaviors.
• Pioneer novel algorithms for preference optimization, model steering, and safety.
• Drive our data strategy by researching methods for high-quality human and synthetic data generation, automated data filtering, and curriculum learning to improve instruction following and reasoning.
• Design robust evaluation methodologies to measure model helpfulness, factuality, and utility, moving beyond static benchmarks to accurately capture real-world performance.
• Partner closely with pre-training teams to inform architecture choices, and with product teams to translate user requirements into model capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning with a focus on LLMs, post-training, or reinforcement learning, backed by a strong record of academic or real-world accomplishments in these or closely related domains.
• Proficient programming skills in Python and a major deep learning framework such as JAX or PyTorch.
• Masters/PhD, or equivalent practical experience, in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related technical field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training state-of-the-art large models at scale, with familiarity in distributed training challenges and trade-offs.
• Experience improving model performance on complex reasoning tasks (math, coding, logic).
• Experience with various transformers architectures and its transformations.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for working cross-functionally across Research and Product teams.

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.