Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Understanding, Proactive

Apple Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Santa Clara, CA, is seeking a researcher and engineer for the On-Device Query Understanding team.

You will research and implement models for personalized query understanding, user intent resolution, retrieval, and ranking, applying NLP, deep learning, and LLM techniques to deliver fast, contextually relevant responses. You will analyze performance gaps, define a long-term technical vision, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive measurable improvements while ensuring

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, applied at scale.
• Production software engineering experience with Python, Go, C/C++, Swift, or Objective-C.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, implement, and evaluate models to advance personalized query understanding, user intent resolution, retrieval, and ranking.
• Apply natural language processing, deep learning, and large language model techniques to deliver grounded, contextually relevant responses.
• Analyze performance gaps in current search and assistant systems, and develop algorithms and techniques to improve model quality and key product outcomes.
• Define long-term technical vision, propose roadmaps, and set measurable objectives for the team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to define product requirements, establish evaluation metrics, and maximize user satisfaction.

Skills

ML/NLP/Computer Vision

Python

Go

C/C++

Swift/Objective-C

Communication

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Math/Stats

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field

Tools

PyTorch

JAX

TensorFlow

XGBoost

Swift frameworks

CI/CD pipelines

Apple platform development

Job description

Santa Clara, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

Apple's On-Device Query Understanding team is building the next generation of personalized, intelligent search. You will research and develop novel approaches in query understanding and machine learning modeling, creating the technology that enables seamless search and assistant experiences across Apple products. This is a role for someone passionate about applying machine learning and generative AI to meaningful, large-scale challenges, where your work will directly shape how millions of people interact with Apple products every day.

Description

The On-Device Query Understanding team builds personalized, state-of-the-art query understanding models that power search intelligence across Spotlight and first-party apps like Mail, Photos, and Reminders. In this role, you will incorporate cutting-edge research in Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Understanding (NLU), and machine learning inference optimization to deliver fast, power-efficient ML solutions to complex query understanding problems. You will bridge research and engineering excellence to drive scalable evaluations and on-device modeling improvements, directly impacting millions of Apple users while advancing how Apple understands what people are looking for, and why.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, implement, and evaluate models to advance personalized query understanding, user intent resolution, retrieval, and ranking
• Apply natural language processing, deep learning, and large language model techniques to deliver grounded, contextually relevant responses
• Analyze performance gaps in current search and assistant systems, and develop algorithms and techniques to improve model quality and key product outcomes
• Define long-term technical vision, propose roadmaps, and set measurable objectives for the team
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to define product requirements, establish evaluation metrics, and maximize user satisfaction

Minimum Qualifications

• 4 or more years of experience in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, applied at scale
• Production software engineering experience with Python, Go, C/C++, Swift, or Objective-C
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Experience with Small Language Models (SLMs) and on-device LLM training, model compression/quantization, and deployment to production
• Experience in large-scale query understanding, search, recommendation, or personal assistant systems
• Proficiency with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or XGBoost
• Background in personalization and data-driven decision making, with the ability to prototype solutions and conduct critical analysis
• Experience with Swift, Swift frameworks, or Apple platform development is a plus
• Experience with build infrastructure, release management, and CI/CD pipelines is a plus

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. 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.