Senior Machine Learning Engineer (Search)

Apple Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 216,200 - 324,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Product discounts

Stock programs

Job summary

Apple Inc. in the San Francisco Bay Area is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to advance Apple Maps search quality. You will build scalable ML and Generative AI systems to help users find more things in innovative ways across Maps and related services.

You will develop and optimize algorithms for local search, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor scientists and engineers as part of building a world-class search team. A strong background in ML, NLP, and big data is preferred.

Qualifications

• MS in computer science or equivalent field.
• 7+ years of industry experience.
• Proven track record of delivering end-user facing machine learning–driven products.
• Strong programming experience in Java, C++, or Python.
• Knowledge and experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work independently and in small teams.
• Attention to detail, data accuracy, and quality of output.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize machine learning algorithms to address key local search issues, including query understanding, intent modeling, ranking, and semantic search.
• Design and develop tools, processes, and analytics for backend data-extraction pipelines, and perform hands-on analyses to answer hard hypotheses/questions.
• Collaborate with teams across infrastructure, quality, and data to deliver features that enhance the end-user search experience.
• Develop and mentor applied scientists and engineers to expand their scope and impact as part of building a world-class search team.

Skills

Java

C++

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

JAX

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

MS in Computer Science

Tools

Hadoop

Spark

Hive

Job description

San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States — Software and Services

Apple Maps and the thousands of applications it empowers are used by millions every day. We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer to join and help advance the next revolution of Maps, enabling users to find more things in innovative ways. You will have opportunities to build scalable technologies using Machine Learning and Generative AI to improve Apple Maps search quality.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize machine learning algorithms to address key local search issues, including query understanding, intent modeling, ranking, and semantic search.
• Design and develop tools, processes, and analytics for backend data-extraction pipelines, and perform hands-on analyses to answer hard hypotheses/questions.
• Collaborate with teams across infrastructure, quality, and data to deliver features that enhance the end-user search experience.
• Develop and mentor applied scientists and engineers to expand their scope and impact as part of building a world-class search team.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS in computer science or equivalent field with 7+ years of industry experience
• Proven track record of delivering end-user facing machine learning–driven products
• Strong programming experience in Java, C++, or Python
• Knowledge and experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work independently and in small teams
• Attention to detail, data accuracy, and quality of output

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in computer science or equivalent field with 7+ years of industry experience
• Expertise in machine learning and natural language processing, including classification, feature engineering, information extraction, clustering, semi-supervised learning, topic modeling, and ranking
• Strong mathematical foundation in modern machine learning, linear algebra, and statistics
• Experience with big data processing (Hadoop, Spark, Hive) is highly desirable
• Proven expertise applying Generative AI and Large Language Models (prompt engineering, model fine-tuning) to search or NLP tasks
• Prior experience in consumer-facing products is desirable
• Prior team leadership experience is desirable

Compensation and Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of the total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base pay range for this role is between $216,200 and $324,800, depending on skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Apple employees may participate in discretionary stock programs and stock purchase plans. Benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, product discounts, access to various services, and reimbursement for certain educational expenses. The role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses or relocation assistance. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefits, compensation, and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

Apple is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity. We promote equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of 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 believes accessibility is a fundamental human right and strives to reflect that in our culture, benefits, and digital tools. Learn about accessibility and reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.