Machine Learning Algorithm Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental cover

Apple stock programs

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino seeks a machine learning engineer with hands-on generative AI experience to advance sensing across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Pencil, Apple Watch and more.

You will work at the intersection of hardware, software, and design with engineers from multiple disciplines to ship features to millions of users. In this role you’ll research, develop, and evaluate generative models for physical signals, prototype sensing algorithms, and design robust experiments.

Qualifications

• BS in CS, EE or related STEM with at least 3 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with generative AI models beyond tutorials.
• Experience with real-world sensor data and signals.
• Strong Python and PyTorch skills; DSP foundations.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and evaluate generative models for physical signals.
• Prototype sensing algorithms using signal processing and ML.
• Design statistically sound evaluations measuring real-world impact.
• Build data pipelines for large sensor datasets.
• Turn research ideas into working prototypes with reproducible experiments.
• Collaborate with firmware and software engineers across product lifecycle.
• Communicate results and trade-offs clearly to teams and leadership.

Skills

Generative AI

Python

PyTorch

Digital signal processing

Time-series analysis

C/C++

Strong communication

Education

BS in CS/EE or related STEM

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

C/C++

Embedded systems

GPU clusters

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Join Apple's HID sensing and interaction algorithms team, which develops advanced sensing algorithms that enable best-in-class user experiences across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Pencil, Apple Watch, and exciting new products. We are looking for a machine learning engineer with hands-on generative AI experience and a strong foundation in signal processing, who is excited to apply both to how people interact with Apple products. Our team draws from diverse backgrounds: signal processing, machine learning, firmware, software engineering, physics, human factors, and more; all dedicated to inventing new ways users interact with Apple products. You will work at the intersection of hardware, software, and design, collaborating with specialists across Apple to ship extraordinary products to millions of users every year.

Description

In this role, you will help explore how generative AI can advance sensing and interaction. You will research, develop, and evaluate generative models and AI systems for physical signals such as time series and images. Success here is measured by real-world impact on products and users, not by leaderboard numbers. That takes a deep understanding of the signals you model and statistical rigor in how you judge results. These are challenging, open-ended problems, and we are looking for someone with the persistence to carry an idea all the way into production. You will also bring a solid understanding of physical signals and signal processing, and use it to develop sensing algorithms for products. You will collaborate with algorithm, firmware, and software engineers to deliver features from prototyping through production. We value engineers who check their claims against real data, report negative results honestly, and explain technical findings clearly to people outside their field.

Responsibilities

• Researching, developing, and evaluating generative models and AI systems for physical signals such as time series and images, and driving them from idea to production
• Prototyping and developing sensing algorithms using signal processing and machine learning techniques for current and future products
• Designing statistically sound evaluations that measure real-world impact rather than benchmark scores
• Building data pipelines for large sensor datasets, including collection, labeling, and quality control
• Turning research ideas into working prototypes quickly, with controlled and reproducible experiments
• Working with firmware and software engineers throughout the product lifecycle, from early prototyping through production support
• Communicating results, trade-offs, and recommendations clearly to team members, partner teams, and leadership

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry or research experience
• Hands-on experience developing generative AI models or systems that go beyond tutorials, such as through shipped products, publications, or substantial projects
• Experience working with real-world sensor or physical measurement data. Strong understanding of physical signals such as time series and images, and how their structure and noise shape what a model learns
• Solid foundation in digital signal processing and time-series analysis, such as filtering, spectral analysis, and feature extraction
• Strong Python programming skills and proficiency with a modern deep learning framework such as PyTorch

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in machine learning, signal processing, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, with publications, open-source contributions, or shipped products in generative AI
• Experience training generative or other ML models on time-series, sensor, audio, or image data, including at scale on GPU clusters
• Statistical rigor in designing experiments and evaluations and in interpreting their results, backed by reproducible research practices
• Experience using LLM-based AI assistants and agents to accelerate research and development work, such as coding, data analysis, and experiment automation
• Proficiency in C/C++, and familiarity with embedded or resource-constrained systems
• Demonstrated persistence in driving a challenging project from idea to production or real-world deployment
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills across algorithms, firmware, and software disciplines

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 $277,600, 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.

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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.