Senior Machine Learning Engineer – Ads Predictions

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); Hybrid; USD 212,000 - 318,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Discounted products and services

Educational reimbursement

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

A leading technology company located in Cupertino is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer for their Ads Predictions team. The role involves designing ML models to improve ad predictions and user interactions, optimizing algorithms, and collaborating across teams to scale solutions. The ideal candidate should have over 6 years of experience in machine learning, proficiency in Python and neural networks, with a Bachelor's in a related field. This position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in machine learning and statistical modeling.
• Deep experience with neural network architectures.
• Experience with reinforcement learning and optimization strategies.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement ML models for user interaction predictions.
• Develop retrieval algorithms leveraging deep learning techniques.
• Collaborate with teams to scale models to production.

Skills

Machine Learning

Information Retrieval

Deep Learning

Python

SQL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Senior Machine Learning Engineer – Ads Predictions

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

At Apple, we focus deeply on our customers’ experience. Apple Ads brings this same approach to advertising, helping people find exactly what they’re looking for and helping advertisers grow their businesses! Our technology powers ads and sponsorships across Apple Services, including the App Store, Apple News, and MLS Season Pass. Everything we do is designed for trust, connection, and impact: We respect user privacy, integrate advertising thoughtfully into the experience, and deliver value for advertisers of all sizes—from small app developers to big, global brands. Because when advertising is done right, it benefits everyone!

Description

We're looking for a highly skilled and motivated Machine Learning Engineer to join our Predictions group. We build the core machine learning models that power ad predictions and monetization across Apple’s App Store and News platforms. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in machine learning, information retrieval, and large-scale modeling, and will thrive in a fast-paced, privacy-first environment. You’ll work at the intersection of applied ML, deep learning, and retrieval systems—developing models that predict user interaction, optimize marketplace outcomes, and scale across billions of queries. You'll also explore and operationalize emerging techniques in Large Language Models (LLMs), Reinforcement Learning, and representation learning to advance Apple’s ad prediction systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement ML models to improve predictions of user interaction, click-through rate (CTR), and conversion rate (CVR)
• Develop and optimize retrieval algorithms, leveraging techniques from classical IR and modern deep learning
• Contribute to core modeling areas such as deep neural networks, contextual bandits, multi-task learning, and LLM-based ranking signals
• Work with large-scale, distributed datasets to identify new signals and improve model accuracy and robustness
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, infrastructure, and product to scale models to production
• Participate in designing and running large-scale experiments to validate new model architectures and learning strategies

Minimum Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience applying machine learning and statistical modeling at scale, preferably in ad tech, recommender systems, or web-scale search/retrieval
• Deep experience with neural network architectures (e.g., Transformers, DNNs, RNNs) and training pipelines using TensorFlow, PyTorch
• Practical understanding of reinforcement learning, explore/exploit strategies, and bandit-based optimization
• Experience working with high-volume data pipelines, A/B testing infrastructure, and performance measurement at scale
• Proficient in Python and familiar with SQL, Scala, or Java for production environments
• Ability to translate abstract ideas into concrete, high-impact solutions
• Bachelor's, or equivalent experience, in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Information Retrieval, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD, or equivalent experience, in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Information Retrieval, or a related field.
• Great foundation in information retrieval, including query-document matching, embedding-based ranking, and learning-to-rank algorithms is a plus

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 $212,000 and $318,400, 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, 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.

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.