Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Understanding, Proactive

Apple’s On-Device Query Understanding team is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to research, design, implement, and evaluate machine learning models that improve personalized query understanding across Apple search and assistant experiences. The work emphasizes integrating LLM/NLU approaches alongside inference optimization to deliver fast, power-efficient solutions on-device.

Role Focus

You will advance state-of-the-art query understanding capabilities for personalized intent resolution, retrieval, and ranking. The role includes defining and measuring improvements to model quality and product outcomes, while supporting user satisfaction through reliable, contextually relevant responses.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, implement, and evaluate models that improve personalized query understanding, user intent resolution, retrieval, and ranking
• Use natural language processing, deep learning, and large language model techniques to produce grounded and contextually relevant responses
• Identify performance gaps in current search and assistant systems and develop algorithms and techniques to improve model quality and key product outcomes
• Define a long-term technical vision, propose roadmaps, and establish measurable objectives for the team
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to define product requirements, establish evaluation metrics, and maximize user satisfaction

Requirements

• 4 or more years of experience in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, applied at scale
• Production software engineering experience using Python, Go, C/C++, Swift, or Objective-C
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field

Technologies

• Large Language Models (LLMs) and Natural Language Understanding (NLU)
• Machine learning inference optimization
• PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, XGBoost
• Small Language Models (SLMs), model compression/quantization
• Swift, Objective-C
• Python, Go, C/C++

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Experience with Small Language Models (SLMs) and on-device LLM training, including model compression/quantization and production deployment
• Experience with large-scale query understanding, search, recommendation, or personal assistant systems
• Proficiency with PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or XGBoost
• Background in personalization and data-driven decision making, with the ability to prototype solutions and conduct critical analysis
• Experience with Swift, Swift frameworks, or Apple platform development is a plus
• Experience with build infrastructure, release management, and CI/CD pipelines is a plus

Compensation and Benefits

Base pay range: USD 150,400 to 277,600 per year.

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Discounted products and free services
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses, including tuition
• Discretionary bonuses or commission payments, and relocation might be eligible
• Opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs
• Eligibility for discretionary restricted stock unit awards
• Ability to purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employees can access additional details in the “Learn more about Apple Benefits” information

Location

Santa Clara, CA (onsite)