Senior AI/ML Engineer, Tools & Infrastructure

Summary
Come join a creative engineering team devoted to making our products more durable through data-driven insights. We're looking for a senior AI/ML engineer to lead the development of intelligent applications and systems that unlock the power of our hardware test data and enable hardware engineers to create their own software tools. In this role, you'll architect and build scalable AI/ML-driven software to help take our department's capabilities to the next level. You'll work with hardware and software engineering teams throughout Apple to design robust AI/ML applications, implement production-grade AI pipelines, iterate based on evolving requirements, and provide input on technical strategy. The tools and platforms you build will power processes, analytics, and workflows that directly influence the design of future products. This is a hands-on work environment where engineers are expected to be self-motivated and proficient with a wide range of AI/ML technologies, while dedicating time to leading contractor teams, driving projects forward, presenting to executive leadership, and delivering excellent solutions for Apple.
Description
In this role you'll architect and implement AI/ML software applications and platforms for the Reliability department at Apple. You’ll provide technical leadership and bridge the gap between business needs and production software, delivering tools that automate workflows and surface novel insights for the organization.
Responsibilities

Architect and build robust, full-stack AI/ML applications using modern software engineering best practices, leveraging Python-based services (FastAPI), containerized deployments on Kubernetes, scalable data stores (Postgres/Timescale with vector search), and production-grade ML platforms for training, evaluation, and serving, while providing technical leadership across projects.
Lead and mentor a team of external contractors, providing architectural guidance, code reviews, and daily direction to ensure fast, high-quality delivery.
Drive the scope of engineering projects independently, identifying new opportunities, defining requirements, and managing the full project lifecycle from concept to deployment.
Apply machine learning algorithms and statistical methods to solve complex business problems, focusing on rapid prototyping followed by high-quality production delivery.
Design and implement MLOps workflows to ensure applications are scalable, monitoring their performance and reliability in production environments.
Cultivate strong partnerships across engineering and business teams, acting as both a visionary and translator between software and non-software audiences.
Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, tailoring communication to multidisciplinary audiences while delivering regular updates on project roadmaps.
Present complex technical narratives and data-driven insights effectively to executive leadership through clear, high-impact presentations and visualizations.
Minimum Qualifications

B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Machine Learning, or related field
6+ years experience and strong foundation in Software Engineering fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, and proficiency in building production-quality applications in Python
2+ years expertise in AI Engineering, using modern ML frameworks to design and deploy production-level platforms with end-to-end observability using vector-enabled data stores (e.g. Postgres/Timescale)
Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to lead contractors, mentor peers, and manage technical resources effectively
Proven ability to drive projects independently: defining scope, collaborating with stakeholders, negotiating requirements, and driving projects to completion
Solid understanding of Machine Learning algorithms, with the ability to select and implement the right model or approach for the problem at hand
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and influence decision-making
Preferred Qualifications

M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Machine Learning, or related field.
Passion for quality and attention to detail; proactive in researching and assessing emerging technologies (AI/ML models, protocols, and techniques), and integrating them into production
Experience designing and operating MLOps workflows in cloud-native environments, including CI/CD for ML systems, model versioning and promotion, scalable batch and online inference, and monitoring of data quality, model performance, and system reliability in production
Track record of successfully growing the scope of engineering projects from initial proof-of-concept to organization-wide adoption
Experience with Python (FastAPI), PyTorch, Hugging Face, and Spark to deploy production-level platforms on Kubernetes with end-to-end observability, MLflow tracking, and vector-enabled data stores (e.g. Postgres/Timescale)
Experience with computer vision technologies and techniques, especially for segmentation, anomaly detection, and objective grading is a plus
Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments—quickly pivots priorities while maintaining data integrity and reliability
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 $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.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.