Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Understanding, Proactive

Santa Clara, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

Apple's On-Device Query Understanding team is building the next generation of personalized, intelligent search. You will research and develop novel approaches in query understanding and machine learning modeling creating the technology that enables seamless search and assistant experiences across Apple products. This is a role for someone passionate about applying machine learning and generative AI to meaningful, large‑scale challenges, where your work will directly shape how millions of people interact with Apple products every day.

The On-Device Query Understanding team builds personalized, state‑of‑the‑art query understanding models that power search intelligence across Spotlight and first‑party apps like Mail, Photos, and Reminders. You will drive scalable evaluations and modeling improvements that directly impact millions of Apple users while contributing to the broader machine learning community. In this role, you will bring together research and engineering excellence to advance how Apple understands what people are looking for, and why.

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

• 4 or more years of experience in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, applied at scale
• Software engineering experience with Python, Go, or C/C++
• Communication and collaboration skills
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Experience in large‑scale query understanding, search, recommendation, or personal assistant systems
• Proficiency with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, Tensor Flow, or XGBoost
• Background in personalization and data‑driven decision making, with the ability to prototype solutions and conduct critical analysis
• Experience with Swift or iOS development

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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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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