Simulation Synthetic Data Engineer - Special Projects

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple seeks a Simulation Synthetic Data Engineer to help develop next‑generation simulation technology powering AI/ML efforts. You will build, extend, and operate pipelines that generate annotated 3D and multi‑modal synthetic datasets for internal teams.

Collaborate with engineers, artists, and researchers to translate creative intent into scalable tools and datasets. A strong Python background, familiarity with 3D graphics, and ML workflows are required; C++ experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with solid software engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with 3D graphics or game engines, including rendering, animation, scene graphs, or content pipelines.
• Familiarity with machine learning workflows, especially perception tasks, generative models, or VLMs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional partners including engineers, artists, and researchers; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and operate tools and pipelines for scenario creation, simulation execution, and generation of annotated 3D and multi-modal synthetic datasets.
• Design and implement prototypes, proofs-of-concept, and production systems that expand the capabilities of our simulation stack.
• Deliver high-quality, validated datasets to internal customers—leveraging procedural systems, generative models, scene variation tools, and diverse data sources.
• Partner with engineers, animators, and technical artists to transform creative intent into efficient, scalable pipelines for generating, varying, organizing, and validating scenarios.
• Develop tools, APIs, and reusable components that allow other teams to easily generate, manage, and automate simulation workflows.
• Stay current with advances in simulation, rendering, generative models, VLMs, and synthetic data in academia, industry, and at Apple; introduce new approaches where valuable.

Skills

Python programming

3D graphics

Game engines

Machine Learning

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

C++

Unreal Engine

Unity

Omniverse

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Play a role in bringing Apple technology to the world. We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, and results-oriented Synthetic Data Engineer. You would join a team using simulation to generate synthetic data. Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

Description

As a Simulation Synthetic Data Engineer, you will help develop next-generation simulation technology powering a broad range of AI/ML efforts at Apple. You will work on highly ambitious projects that transform ideas into production tools and datasets used across the organization to develop new Apple products.We’re looking for an engineer who is both practical and inventive—comfortable extending existing simulation frameworks, experimenting with new approaches, and iterating quickly from prototype to high-quality implementation. You will collaborate closely with engineers, technical artists, animators, and research teams to deliver scalable pipelines and compelling synthetic data. Your work will directly influence dataset quality and model performance across multiple product areas.

Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and operate tools and pipelines for scenario creation, simulation execution, and generation of annotated 3D and multi-modal synthetic datasets.
• Design and implement prototypes, proofs-of-concept, and production systems that expand the capabilities of our simulation stack.
• Deliver high-quality, validated datasets to internal customers—leveraging procedural systems, generative models, scene variation tools, and diverse data sources.
• Partner with engineers, animators, and technical artists to transform creative intent into efficient, scalable pipelines for generating, varying, organizing, and validating scenarios.
• Develop tools, APIs, and reusable components that allow other teams to easily generate, manage, and automate simulation workflows.
• Stay current with advances in simulation, rendering, generative models, VLMs, and synthetic data in academia, industry, and at Apple; introduce new approaches where valuable.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with solid software engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with 3D graphics or game engines, including topics such as rendering, animation, scene graphs, or content pipelines.
• Familiarity with machine learning workflows, especially perception tasks, generative models, or VLMs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional partners including engineers, artists, and researchers; strong communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Programming experience in C++
• Experience with real-time simulation engines (Unreal, Unity, Godot, Omniverse, custom engines).
• Familiarity with USD, MaterialX, or other modern 3D content standards.
• Experience with real-time and offline rendering, ray tracing, lighting, or shading.
• Knowledge of physics simulation, sensor simulation, or physically-based modeling.
• Experience with industrial/commercial simulation tools or large-scale data pipelines.

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.