Machine Learning Engineer - On-Device Adaptive Control

Apple Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Seattle, Washington, is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer for the Energy Tech organization to develop on-device control systems that manage thermal and energy tradeoffs in Apple devices.

You will prototype MPC and related control algorithms, analyze field data to understand device behavior, and collaborate with firmware, hardware, and platform teams to ship reliable, production-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in controls, robotics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field — or BS with relevant experience.
• Experience with model predictive control, optimal control, or reinforcement learning.
• Strong programming skills in Python; comfort with C/C++ for on-device work.
• Experience working with real-world sensor data.
• Demonstrated ability to take a project from data exploration through working prototype.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement on-device control systems for thermal and energy management
• Build and fit thermal models from lab and field data
• Prototype MPC and related control algorithms end-to-end, from data analysis through on-device deployment
• Analyze large-scale field telemetry to characterize device behavior and validate models
• Define and tune cost functions that encode system-level tradeoffs
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and platform teams to integrate control systems into the OS

Skills

Python

C/C++

Model predictive control

Reinforcement learning

Data analysis

On-device ML

Education

MS/PhD in controls/robotics/EE/CS, or BS with experience

Job description

Seattle, Washington, United States Software and Services

The Energy Tech org builds systems for managing the energy flow and thermals of Apple devices in service of a great user experience. Within this org, the team develops end-to-end solutions utilizing on-device machine learning and control, creating new techniques from data analysis and prototyping. Our work directly impacts the behavior of Apple devices across the product families.

Description

We are developing on-device control systems that manage thermal and energy tradeoffs on Apple devices. This means building models that capture device dynamics, designing cost functions that encode explicit priorities, and shipping control loops that adapt to real-world conditions. We're looking for a Machine Learning Engineer who can work across the full stack: analyzing field data to understand device behavior, prototyping control and ML algorithms, and getting them running on-device. The problems are messy — noisy sensors, changing hardware, competing objectives — and the solutions need to be simple enough to ship on constrained hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement on-device control systems for thermal and energy management
• Build and fit thermal models from lab and field data
• Prototype MPC and related control algorithms end-to-end, from data analysis through on-device deployment
• Analyze large-scale field telemetry to characterize device behavior and validate models
• Define and tune cost functions that encode system-level tradeoffs
• Collaborate with firmware, hardware, and platform teams to integrate control systems into the OS

Minimum Qualifications

• MS or PhD in controls, robotics, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field — or BS with relevant experience
• Experience with model predictive control, optimal control, or reinforcement learning (sequential decision-making)
• Strong programming skills in Python; comfort with C/C++ for on-device work
• Experience working with real-world sensor data (noisy, incomplete, high-volume)
• Demonstrated ability to take a project from data exploration through working prototype

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thermal systems, battery management, or energy optimization
• Familiarity with embedded or resource-constrained environments
• Background in system identification or online parameter estimation
• Comfort with ambiguity — able to scope and drive work without detailed specifications
• Track record of shipping models or control systems into production, not just research

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 $142,300 and $214,300, 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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.