Research Engineer - Special Projects

Apple Inc.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,400 - 272,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Discretionary bonuses or commission payments

Reimbursement for certain educational expenses

Job summary

A leading technology company in Santa Clara seeks a research engineer to build AI infrastructure, design data pipelines, and work alongside world-class researchers. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of software engineering experience with strong skills in Python and data analysis, along with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field. Offering competitive base pay range ($147,400 to $272,100), comprehensive benefits, and a chance to participate in stock programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering experience in data-intensive applications, pipelines, or analysis tooling.
• Solid software engineering skills in complex systems. Fluency in Python.
• Experience with distributed systems—CI/CD at scale, distributed testing, or ML evaluation pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality data pipelines and simulation systems.
• Work with machine learning researchers on agent research.
• Strive for best possible results and value clear feedback.

Skills

Software engineering

Data analysis

Fluency in Python

Distributed systems

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or Physics

Tools

SQL

Airflow

Ray

Job description

Santa Clara, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

We're seeking research engineers to build infrastructure for breakthrough innovations in AI agents, reinforcement learning, and simulation environments. You will design and implement high-quality data pipelines, simulation systems, and tooling that enable cutting‑edge agent research. You will work in an organization of world‑class machine learning researchers and engineers. Our work powers technologies across the Apple ecosystem and is published in the most selective scientific journals and conferences.

Description

We are a team of best‑in‑the‑world research scientists and engineers building the foundations for autonomous AI systems. We work on exciting new technologies that bring joy to millions of people. In our daily work, the team stays innovative, productive, and fun by sharing some key values:

Responsibilities

• Passion for the mission: We're here to make something extraordinary. We seek whatever work is right and strive for the best possible results.
• Modesty: The right answer is more significant than being right. We search for solutions as a team and value clear‑eyed feedback.
• Lean habits: You can't grow without limits. Time constraints and big goals encourage us to sharpen our focus and learn to make phenomenal decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering experience in data‑intensive applications, pipelines, or analysis tooling.
• Solid software engineering skills in complex systems. Fluency in Python.
• Experience with distributed systems—CI/CD at scale, distributed testing, or ML evaluation pipelines.
• Strong data analysis skills: SQL, statistical reasoning, and clear communication of findings.
• Demonstrated ability to ship production‑quality systems end‑to‑end.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or Physics from a strong program.
• 2+ years at a company building AI products or agent systems.
• Experience with job orchestration frameworks (Airflow, Prefect, Ray, etc.).
• Familiarity with macOS/iOS development ecosystems.
• Active personal interest in AI agents—you're already experimenting on your own time.

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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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 .

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.