AIML - Sr Backend Engineer, Data and ML Innovation

Apple Inc.; Cupertino, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental cover

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA seeks a Sr Python Backend Engineer to build scalable back-end services for AI and ML initiatives.

You'll design API layers, integrate LLM workflows, and collaborate with data scientists, researchers, and product teams to deliver production-grade data solutions powering the Apple Foundation Model lifecycle. You should have extensive Python backend experience with FastAPI/Django/Flask, hands-on data engineering know-how, and a track record of shipping reliable systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 10+ years backend development experience at scale.
• Expertise in Python backend with FastAPI/Django/Flask.
• Proficient in REST APIs, Redis, VectorDB or similar.
• Knowledge of Airflow, Docker, Kubernetes, cloud-native apps.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend systems and APIs in Python.
• Build and integrate LLM-powered workflows and agentic pipelines.
• Collaborate with product managers and cross-functional teams.
• Architect data pipelines and microservices for ML training lifecycles.
• Enforce best practices: testing, CI, code reviews, Agile.
• Evaluate third-party services and GenAI frameworks to extend capabilities.
• Monitor and optimize backend reliability and performance.

Skills

Python

Backend

REST API

Data engineering

LLM workflows

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's or PhD in related field

Tools

FastAPI

Django

Flask

Redis

VectorDB

Airflow

Docker

Kubernetes

LangChain

OpenAI

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

Are you excited to tackle some of the most ambitious technical challenges in Apple Intelligence? Be involved in collaborating closely with our machine learning researchers, engineers, and data scientists? Together, you will orchestrate groundbreaking research initiatives and develop transformative products designed to build a significant impact for billions of users worldwide!The AI and Machine Learning team is looking for Sr Python Backend Engineer to build world-class data solutions that are used by data scientists, ML engineers and researchers to power Apple Foundation Model lifecycle.

Description

We are looking for a skilled Sr Python Backend Engineer to join our development team.In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining the server-side logic.You will be tasked with developing back-end components, connecting the application with third‑party web services, and supporting the front‑end developers by integrating their work with the Python application.Our ideal candidate must have demonstrated expertise in Python. Knowledge of Data Engineering & ML domain & training lifecycle is an added plus.You are comfortable with analyzing business requirements, identifying gaps, and translating requirements into technical designs.You have worked closely with project managers, UI/UX designers, and other cross functional stakeholders to deliver high quality work on‑time.You are well‑versed in GenAI tools and agentic development, with hands‑on experience building or integrating LLM‑powered workflows, AI agents, and modern AI‑assisted development practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable, high-performance backend systems and APIs using Python frameworks such as FastAPI, Django, or Flask.
• Build and integrate LLM-powered workflows, AI agents, and agentic pipelines into production backend services.
• Collaborate with front‑end developers, product managers, and cross‑functional stakeholders to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Architect and maintain data pipelines, microservices, and cloud‑native applications supporting ML training lifecycle and data engineering workflows.
• Implement and enforce software development best practices including code reviews, automated testing, continuous integration, and agile methodologies.
• Evaluate and integrate third‑party web services, LLM APIs, and GenAI frameworks (e.g. LangChain, LlamaIndex, OpenAI) to extend platform capabilities.
• Monitor, debug, and optimize backend systems for reliability, scalability, and performance in production environments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 10+ years of extensive backend development experience, with solid foundational programming skills (algorithms, data structures, OOP, etc) and experience designing, writing, reviewing, testing and delivering software for applications and systems at scale.
• Expertise in architecting and developing backend systems using Python; extensive experience in FastAPI, Django, or Flask will be great.
• Proficient in REST API, Redis, VectorDB or other large scale data storage systems.
• In-depth knowledge of workflow orchestration systems like Airflow, distributed systems, cloud‑native applications, and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Data Engineering & ML domain & training lifecycle.
• Experience with large‑scale data processing, distributed systems , microservices, various caching strategies, and performance optimization.
• Excellent problem solving skills and be able to navigate through complex technical challenges and design decisions.
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS or GCP
• Experience building and productionizing GenAI applications, including LLM integration, prompt engineering, RAG pipelines, and agentic workflows using frameworks such such as LangChain or similar tools.
• Master or Ph.D. in a related field.
• Previous experience in a high‑growth tech company or similar environment.

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
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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.