Multimodal AI Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock programs

Discretionary bonuses

Relocation

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Sunnyvale, California, seeks a Multimodal AI Researcher to develop foundation models for multimodal perception integrating video, audio, and text.

You will collaborate with AI, ML, software, and hardware teams to drive research that informs features used across Apple products. You will work on real-time multimodal systems, contribute to evaluations, and translate research into engineering-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• Experience building models for multimodal perception systems.
• Experience working with LLMs and VLMs.
• Software engineering skills and proficiency in Python and PyTorch.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new things to improve solutions.

Skills

Multimodal models

LLMs

VLMs

Python

PyTorch

Software engineering

Education

BS in computer science or related field

Job description

Sunnyvale, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

The Video Computer Vision organization is working on breakthrough technologies for future Apple products. Our team delivers cutting‑edge AI, machine learning, computer vision and graphics algorithms that power technologies including human understanding, perception, digital humans, multimodal generative AI, and agents. Our algorithms ship across a range of Apple products, including iPhone and Apple Vision Pro, where our work has contributed to technologies like Personalized Spatial Audio, EyeSight, and Persona as well as future Apple products. We are an applied research group, we push the state of the art and then bring it to product. In this role, you will collaborate with world‑class experts in AI, ML, Software, and Hardware to tackle fundamental challenges in human‑centric solutions that will impact millions of users across Apple’s ecosystem.

Description

We are looking for a Multimodal AI Researcher with a strong background in developing foundation models for generative AI and multimodal systems that integrate various types of real‑time sensor data such as video and audio with other modalities like text. Our ongoing investigations include interactive models, audio‑to‑audio modeling and systems. You will work on hard, open research problems in multimodal generative AI and agents, and you will see that work through to real features used by millions of people. You will collaborate with others to drive data requirements, validation strategies, and key performance indicators, and conduct algorithm research and development that serves product needs. We hire researchers who are highly motivated and deeply care about shipping. A successful candidate will stay up‑to‑date with the latest advancements in multimodal foundations models and applying this knowledge to drive innovation, but also take a practical approach to problem solving and software engineering.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• Experience building models for multimodal perception systems.
• Experience working with LLMs and VLMs.
• Software engineering skills and proficiency in Python and PyTorch.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new things in order to improve the quality of their solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in computer vision, computer graphics, machine learning, computer science, computer engineering or related fields.
• Experience in developing, training/tuning foundation models and multimodal LLMs.
• Experience with training and troubleshooting generative architectures such as diffusion, reinforcement learning, flow matching or normalizing flow at scale.
• Experience with real‑time or streaming multimodal models.
• Experience with speech understanding and generation.
• Experience applying reinforcement learning to help post‑train foundation models.
• Excellent communication and experience working with multi‑functional teams.
• Self‑motivated with proven track record to optimally prioritize and deliver tasks on schedule.

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.