Machine Learning Engineering Manager - Ads Recommendations

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 206,000 - 356,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Stock programs

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA is seeking a Machine Learning Engineering Manager to lead a team building the next generation advertiser recommendation engine for Apple Ads. You will work with cross-functional partners to set strategy and deliver end-to-end solutions that scale for advertisers and monetization.

Role requires deep ML expertise, experience leading ML teams, and strong Python/Java skills. You will drive innovation in GenAI, campaign optimization, and related areas while ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in AI/ML/CS or related field required.
• Strong ML fundamentals and statistical methods.
• Hands-on in production with Python or Java; SQL proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement technical strategy for next-gen recommendation engine.
• Incorporate GenAI and agentic approaches at scale.
• Shape strategy and roadmap for allied areas like campaign optimization.
• Design algorithms delivering privacy-compliant improvements.
• Run A/B tests and pilots to improve advertiser-facing apps.
• Collaborate with engineering and business teams to scale innovations.
• Ensure scalable model deployment and reliable execution.
• Lead and mentor a team of engineers; set technical direction.

Skills

Machine learning

Statistics

Quantitative optimization

Python

Java

SQL

Scripting

Education

BS in AI/ML/CS

Tools

Databases

SQL

Deployment tooling

Job description

Machine Learning Engineering Manager - Ads Recommendations

Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

At Apple, we strive every day to create products that enrich people’s lives. Our Advertising Platforms group enables users worldwide to discover new content seamlessly while empowering publishers and developers to promote and monetize their work. Our technology powers advertising in the App Store and Apple News, delivering highly-performant, privacy-first solutions that set new industry standards. We're seeking a dynamic and strategic engineering manager to drive innovation in Ads Recommendations. This role requires a deep understanding of Ad network behavior and the ability to develop and prioritize an innovation roadmap that spans multiple technical domains. You'll lead a team that designs, develops, and delivers innovative capabilities, differentiating Apple Ads and driving key business outcomes.

Description

As a Machine Learning Engineering Manager / Tech Lead Manager, you'll be responsible for building the next generation advertiser recommendation engine to enable advertisers to optimize for their campaign performance goals on Apple Ads. You will work with a variety of cross functional business partners to set strategy and bring end-to-end solutions that scale as we grow. In addition, you will have the opportunity to play a critical role in influencing the roadmap and technical strategy in allied areas like campaign optimization, auction optimization, etc., all of which are critical for delivering an enhanced experience for advertisers on our platform.

• Define and implement the technical strategy for building the next generation recommendation engine to help advertisers optimize for their campaign performance goals.
• Leverage innovative research and technology including the latest GenAI and agentic approaches to deliver these capabilities at scale.
• Play a critical role in shaping the strategy and roadmap for allied areas like campaign optimization, auction optimization, etc., to deliver an optimal end-to-end experience for advertisers.
• Design and analyze sophisticated algorithms to deliver incremental improvements that are privacy compliant.
• Execute and analyze A/B tests and pilots to drive continuous improvements in advertiser-facing applications.
• Work closely with engineering and business teams to scale innovations, improving advertiser experience and monetization potential across Apple Ads.
• Operate at utmost scale, ensuring efficient and reliable model deployment and execution.
• Architect and scale intelligence systems, addressing operational concerns and performance optimizations.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a talented team of engineers, setting technical direction and execution cadence.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in machine learning, statistics, and quantitative optimization, with at least 2-3 years as a tech lead or at least 1 year as an engineering manager.
• Track record of leading machine learning engineering teams from design to implementation, ensuring scalability and reliability.
• Deep understanding of modern machine learning techniques, statistics, and quantitative optimization.
• Experience working with operational teams on deployment, monitoring, and system management.
• Experience running A/B tests and pilots for sales / advertiser-facing applications.
• Experience building GenAI and agentic systems.
• Hands‑on experience with Python or Java in a production environment.
• Proficiency in databases, SQL, and scripting languages for data processing and model deployment.
• BS, or equivalent experience, in AI, ML, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading teams that apply advanced statistical/ML methods.
• Previous experience in the online advertising domain is a big plus.
• MS/PhD, or equivalent experience, in AI, ML, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.

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 $206,200 and $356,400, 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
• 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.