Research Manager, Multimodal Reasoning - SIML

Apple Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 238,000 - 356,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock programs and RSU awards

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Senior Research Manager in Multimodal Reasoning within the SIML Content Understanding team in Cupertino, CA. You will lead cross-functional teams, advancing embeddings, RAG workstreams, tool calling, and memory efficiency while collaborating with hardware, design and product partners.

The role emphasizes fluency in algorithm development, large-scale modeling, and bringing bleeding-edge innovations into agentic experiences. Strong publishing or open-source impact is valued.

Qualifications

• PhD, or MSc in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering, or related field with ML focus.
• Strong ML and Generative Modeling fundamentals.
• 3+ years leading and growing ML teams.
• Expertise in Reinforcement Learning, Multimodal Training, or foundation models.
• Proficiency with ML toolkits, e.g., PyTorch.
• Publications or open-source contributions in relevant algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow high-performing ML teams across multimodal reasoning projects.
• Set up future-facing investigations and guide cross-functional collaborations.
• Work on state-of-the-art LLM workflows including prompts, training, evaluation, and distributed training/inference.

Skills

ML fundamentals

Generative modeling

PyTorch

Multimodal reasoning

Education

PhD or MSc in CS/EE or related field

Tools

PyTorch

Job description

Research Manager, Multimodal Reasoning - SIML

Cupertino, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

The System Intelligence and Machine Learning (SIML) Content Understanding team is seeking a Senior Research Manager in Multimodal Reasoning. You will be working alonside teams that are in charge of operating system wide embeddings, personalized RAG workstreams, tool calling, context compaction / efficiency & memory systems. Projects are focussed on advancing Apple Intelligence capabilities, while working closely across disciplines with our partners in hardware engineering, design and product.Selected references to our prior work:(a) https://arxiv.org/pdf/2507.13575(b) https://arxiv.org/pdf/2407.21075(c) https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/12/apple-intelligence-now-features-image-playground-genmoji-and-more/

Description

We are seeking a senior applied research leader in multimodal reasoning. The role expects fluency in algorithm development and computation, ability to set up future facing research investigations, and leading cross functional teams on company wide efforts. Key attributes expected in the role is fluency with state of art LLM workflows (prompt optimization, post training / alignment, automatic evaluation, distributed training & inference).The role includes the opportunity to partner with world class system engineers to prototype and incorporate bleeding edge algorithmic innovations in the context of emerging agentic experiences. Ability to interface with large scale modeling & data infrastructure is a huge plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD, or MSc in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (mathematics, physics or computer engineering); with a focus on machine learning, or comparable professional experience
• Strong ML and Generative Modeling fundamentals
• 3+ years of experience leading and growing high-performing machine learning teams of individual contributors.
• Strong expertise in one of the following: Reinforcement Learning, Multimodal Training, Pre-training / Post-training foundation models
• Proficiency in using ML toolkits, e.g., PyTorch
• Proven track record of research contributions demonstrated through publications in top-tier conferences, or open source contributions to algorithm

Preferred Qualifications

• Experienced in leading applied research efforts in Multimodal-LLMs
• Track Record in transitioning applied research initiatives to customer facing experiences
• Familiarity with distributed training and large-scale data infrastructure

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 $237,600 and $356,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Benefits

• 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

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.