Sr. ML Optimization Engineer, iCloud

Apple Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 181,100 - 318,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Educational reimbursement

Participation in stock programs

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Sr. ML Optimization Engineer in San Francisco, California. This role focuses on optimizing iCloud services through advanced analytics and machine learning while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates have a strong software engineering background, 3+ years of experience in cloud services, and exceptional problem-solving skills. Additionally, candidates should hold a degree in Computer Science or Engineering. The role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for growth within the company.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in large-scale cloud services or similar environments.
• Strong software engineering background and ML-based modeling experience.
• Exceptional analytical skills to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Responsibilities

• Optimize the design, deployment, and operation of iCloud services.
• Collaborate with engineering teams for cloud sustainability.
• Solve large-scale optimization problems to minimize costs.

Skills

Software engineering

Machine learning modeling

Analytical problem-solving

Data-driven decision making

Capacity planning

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Platform observability tools

Job description

San Francisco, California, United States Software and Services

In Apple’s iCloud services organization, efficiency is not just a technical goal; it's an essential part of our commitment to environmental sustainability and optimal resource utilization. This team plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our cloud services are not only robust and reliable but also efficiently utilize resources at scale. This team also focuses on ML-driven forecasting, capacity planning, resource optimization, and the development of sophisticated cost models for iCloud's large-scale services. As a Sr. ML Optimization Engineer, you will work at the intersection of systems engineering, infrastructure strategy, applied analytics, machine learning, and large-scale optimization. You will have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with experts, contribute to cutting‑edge forecasting and optimization strategies, and directly impact millions of users globally. Our team is at the forefront of driving efficiency in one of the world’s largest cloud infrastructures, supporting billions of devices globally.

Description

The Sr. ML Optimization Engineer will be a key player in Apple’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of its cloud services. This role involves in-depth analysis of infrastructure usage patterns, and data‑driven capacity planning to ensure scalability and reliability while minimizing resource wastage.

Responsibilities

• You will help optimize the design, deployment, and operation of iCloud services.
• You will collaborate closely with engineering teams, data scientists, and finance experts to develop and implement strategies that align with Apple’s cloud sustainability and resource utilization principles.
• You will formulate and solve large‑scale optimization problems to allocate capacity, schedule workloads, and minimize cost under reliability and latency constraints.
• Your work will directly contribute to optimizing iCloud’s performance and resource utilization, influencing the unit cost of services and the overall customer experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience in large‑scale cloud services or similar environments
• Strong software engineering background and experience with ML‑based modeling, time‑series forecasting, and data‑driven decision making for cloud services
• Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to cross‑functional teams
• Hands‑on experience with platform observability tools, enabling deep insights into service performance and helping to drive optimizations
• Experienced in developing cost models and strategies for software services, ensuring optimal resource utilization and cost‑effectiveness
• Bachelor or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying classical optimization techniques to real‑world systems or infrastructure problems
• Demonstrable experience in capacity planning and resource optimization using machine learning and/or optimization techniques
• Knowledge of machine learning pipelines and service monitoring tools a plus
• PhD in CS or related field with a focus on machine learning, optimization, or large‑scale distributed systems

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 $181,100 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. 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.

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.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace.

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.