As part of Apple’s AI and Machine Learning org, we inspire and create groundbreaking technology for multi-modal models with strong agent and reasoning capabilities. The Data and Machine Learning Innovation (DMLI) team is seeking a passionate Machine Learning Engineer to explore new methods, challenge existing metrics and protocols, and develop new insightful practices that will change how we understand data and overcome real-world ML challenges. As a team member, you will work on some of the most ambitious technical challenges in the field. Your role will involve collaborating closely with our team of machine learning researchers, engineers, and data scientists. Together, you will spearhead groundbreaking research initiatives and develop transformative products designed to create a significant impact for billions of users worldwide.
Description
As a Machine Learning (ML) Engineer, you will be entrusted with the critical role of innovating and applying state-of-the-art research in foundation models to with a particular focus on audio data. This includes working across the full ML pipeline—from pre-training on large-scale unlabeled audio corpora to post-training evaluation and fine-tuning with task-specific datasets. The solutions you develop will have a significant impact on future Apple software and hardware products, as well as the broader ML ecosystem. Your responsibilities will extend to designing and developing a comprehensive multi-modal data generation and curation framework for foundation models at Apple. You will also contribute to building robust model evaluation pipelines that support continuous improvement and performance assessment. In addition, the role involves analyzing multi-modal data to better understand its influence on model behavior and outcomes. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to showcase your groundbreaking research work by publishing and presenting at premier academic venues.
Responsibilities
Enhancing current products and future hardware platforms with multi-modal perception data, particularly through audio and sensor fusion techniques. Designing self-supervised and semi-supervised representation learning pipelines, along with audio-specific pre-training and fine-tuning strategies for tasks like speech recognition and speaker identification. Applying data selection techniques such as novelty detection and active learning across modalities—audio, vision, language, and 3D—to improve data efficiency and reduce distributional gaps. Modeling data distributions using modern ML/statistical methods to uncover patterns, reduce redundancy, and handle out-of-distribution challenges. Rapidly learning new methods and domains as needed, and guiding product teams in selecting effective ML solutions.
Minimum Qualifications
Deep technical skills in one or more machine learning areas, such as computer vision, audio, combinatorial optimization, causality analysis, natural language processing, and deep learning. Strong software development skills with proficiency in Python; hands-on experience working with deep learning toolkits like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX (one of). 5+ years of experience developing and evaluating ML applications, demonstrating a passion for understanding and improving model/data quality. B.S. degree or higher in Computer Science or related technical fields.
Preferred Qualifications
Deep understanding of multi-modal foundation models. Staying up-to-date with emerging trends in generative AI and multi-modal LLMs. The ability to formulate machine learning problems, design, experiment, implement, and communicate solutions effectively. Hands-on mentality to own engineering projects from inception to shipping products and the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team. Demonstrated publication records in relevant conferences (e.g., CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, etc.). Track records of adopting ML to solve cross-disciplinary problems.
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 $386,300, 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
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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.