Senior ML Software Engineer - Apple Watch

Apple; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 309,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Stock programs (RSU)

Discounted products & services

Educational reimbursement

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Apple in Boulder, Colorado is seeking a versatile Machine Learning Software Engineer to develop ML-driven features for Apple Watch and related devices. This hybrid role involves prototyping, training, and deploying models on-device, close collaboration with designers, ML engineers, and software experts to transform ideas into product reality.

Minimum qualifications include an MS/PhD in ML or CS, strong Python, experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow, and Swift or Objective-C on Apple platforms.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in ML, CS or related field is required.
• Strong Python and production-grade coding experience.
• Experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow and on-device ML is expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ML algorithms using multimodal sensor data to understand real-world behavior.
• Deploy ML models on-device and integrate with sensors and UX layers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive research into high-impact features.
• Design tools and processes for validation of algorithm performance on sketch and real devices.

Skills

Python

Swift/Objective-C

Machine Learning

On-device ML

Production-grade code

Multimodal sensing

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in ML/CS

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

On-device deployment

Job description

CO Salary Range: USD 175,000.00 - 308,500.00 per year

Our team is working toward a future where our devices are aware of us and our environment, they directly support our health and wellbeing, and they nudge us to be more thoughtful, present, and inspired human beings. We believe there is huge opportunity to improve lives and the world by understanding people, our activities, connections, and the environments we live in using sensing and machine learning on our devices. Our team works with cross-functional partners across Apple to create high-impact features and new ways to interact on Apple Watch, home products, and new hardware. We prototype new experiences, develop and ship products, and publish our work. We are a creative, multi-disciplinary, optimistic, and collaborative team. Come join us and build the future!

Description

The team you will join is responsible for creating the technologies that power new, innovative product features for Apple Watch, like DoubleTap, AssistiveTouch, Handwashing, and Raise to Speak. We are highly collaborative and partner with a variety of research and product teams across Apple to explore novel experiences and ship features. We are looking for a versatile Machine Learning Software Engineer who is passionate about developing innovative, ML-driven product features that push the boundaries of sensing and human‑computer interaction, and who can work across disciplines - from training advanced models to rapid on‑device prototyping and full‑scale productization. In this hybrid role, you’ll collaborate closely with designers, ML engineers, and software experts to transform ambitious, loosely defined ideas into next‑generation sensing experiences that reach millions of Apple Watch users worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ML algorithms leveraging multimodal sensor data - like motion and audio - to detect user activities and contextual situations that enhance our understanding of real‑world behavior
• Integrate and deploy ML models on‑device, building power‑efficient frameworks that encapsulate models, interface seamlessly with sensors, and communicate effectively with UX layers
• Drive innovation from concept to deployment, ensuring promising research ideas evolve into high‑impact, user‑facing features
• Design and implement tools, analytics, and processes to perform in‑depth, hands‑on analysis for validating and quantifying algorithm performance both offline and on‑device

Preferred Qualifications

• You collaborate effectively with cross‑functional partners
• You have a deep commitment to product quality and interest in building consumer applications
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work independently or in small teams

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related field
• Solid knowledge of machine learning methods, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling using time‑series data
• Strong Python skills with experience writing production‑quality code and working with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
• Experience with Swift or Objective‑C and developing on Apple platforms
• Experience architecting large scale systems

Pay & Benefits

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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.

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• retirement benefits
• a range of discounted products and free services
• reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition
• discretionary bonuses or commission payments
• 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.