Applied Research Scientist, Proactive Intelligence, — Agentic Systems and Generative Modeling

Apple, Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental

Retirement benefits

Stock programs

Educational expense reimbursement

Discretionary bonuses or relocation

Job summary

Apple, Inc. in Cupertino, CA is seeking an Applied Research Scientist to design and implement ML algorithms for various Apple products.

You will train Generative AI models and agentic systems using deep reinforcement learning to solve hard problems and to integrate ML frameworks into our products for scalable training and simulation. You will work with cross-functional teams to align roadmaps, contribute software back into core repos, and write production-grade code with documentation and tests.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++ with 3+ years of experience in ML modeling and applied research.
• MS or PhD in Computer Science or related fields; minimum 3 years in applied ML/product development.
• Fundamental knowledge of ML concepts and hands-on experience in building deep-learning systems.
• Strong software engineering skills to create scalable infrastructure for ML data, modeling and evaluation.
• Proven ability to train and debug ML systems: metrics, datasets, error analysis, training in modern ML frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement ML algorithms that process data in Apple products.
• Train Generative AI models and agentic systems using deep reinforcement learning.
• Integrate ML/RL frameworks into products and enable scalable training/simulation in the cloud.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align roadmaps and contribute code back to core repos.
• Write clean, production-grade code with tests and documentation.

Skills

Python

C++

ML/DL knowledge

Software engineering

Reinforcement learning

Education

MS/PhD in CS or related field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Scikit-learn

Job description

Applied Research Scientist, Proactive Intelligence, — Agentic Systems and Generative Modeling

Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

AI represents a big opportunity to elevate Apple’s products and experiences for billions of people globally. We are looking for Applied Research Scientists with a background and interest in Agentic Systems. You will be leveraging state-of-the-art Generative models to ship extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences for the iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch, iPad and more. The mission of Proactive Intelligence is to improve Apple platforms by better understanding, anticipating and adapting to user behavior by using machine learning to build phenomenal features that are built right into Apple platforms. Our team provides an opportunity to be part of an incredible research and engineering organization within Apple. The ideal candidate for this role will have industry experience working on a range of modeling problems, including Sequential Decision Making, Reinforcement Learning, Autonomous Systems, Learning from Human Preferences and Training Large Language Models (LLMs). Working knowledge of large-scale data processing especially with structured data, probabilistic modeling and statistics will broaden your role and effectiveness in this position.

Description

As an Applied Research Scientist on our team, you will design and implement ML algorithms that process data in different Apple products. You will train Generative AI models and Agentic systems using deep reinforcement learning to solve hard problems. Where necessary, you will also work on integrating ML/RL frameworks into our products to train large-scale agents and leverage cloud services to enable scalable and distributed training/simulation of agent behaviors. You will communicate advanced ideas to a focused team of researchers in the spirit of developing innovative tools and metrics that change the way we look at problems. You will work closely with other cross-functional teams to align messaging, contribute to roadmaps and contribute software back into different repos for proper integration with core systems. You will write clean, maintainable and production code with appropriate documentation and tests. You will contribute to architecture decisions, design reviews and peer code reviews!

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++ with 3+ years of experience in using these languages for machine learning (ML) modeling and applied research
• M.S. or PhD in Computer Science, or a related fields such as Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or equivalent experience. A minimum of 3 years of experience in applied ML and/or product development.
• Fundamental knowledge of ML concepts and hands‑on experience in building deep‑learning systems
• Strong software engineering skills to create scalable and robust infrastructure for machine‑learning data, modeling and evaluation systems
• Proven ability to train and debug machine‑learning systems: defining metrics and datasets, performing error analysis and training models in a modern ML framework

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with researching current ML literature and math including optimization methods and modeling techniques
• Passionate about building extraordinary autonomous systems with Generative AI
• Creative, collaborative and project focused with an ability to work hands‑on in multi‑functional teams
• Proficiency in using ML toolkits such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, SkLearn etc.

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
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition
• 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.