Aesthetics Science Manager, Look Development

Role Number: 200693953Team: Software and Services, DesignLocation: CupertinoWeekly Hours: 40Posted: 2026-11-07SummaryiPhone is the most popular camera in the world, and Aesthetics Science is focused on understanding human perception and artistic intent with enough precision for scientists, engineers, designers and artists to work on it together. This means investigating why people take pictures and what they like about them, in order to infuse that knowledge directly and iteratively into the software development process. We are feature developers who bring rigorous research and photographic principles to how Apple builds the camera and visual experiences that people rely on every day.DescriptionWe are seeking an Aesthetics Science Manager to help oversee our look development process within Software Engineering. You will lead a team of world-class look developers and own the start-to-finish process of how they create software features that require aesthetics look and feel. The successful candidate is a collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of technical and creative processes upheld to the highest level of standards. You will hire and direct a rotating roster of creative contractors (colorists, retouchers, photographic artists) who will work with proprietary internal software tools within fast-paced and complex iterative feedback loops across multiple stakeholder teams on engineering timelines.* You bring a deep, hands-on understanding of creative look development: how artists work, what they need from a tool, and how to recognize when a process is producing strong work or getting in its way.* You also bring the organizational skill to keep a complex, multidisciplinary effort moving forward.* You create the conditions for all decision-makers to make great calls, and make sure those calls carry through into the results.Minimum QualificationsDeep Understanding of Creative Look Development: A strong working knowledge of how high-end images are created, and of what artists at the top of their field need to do their best work.Directing Top Creative Talent: Proven experience hiring, scoping and directing elite creative contractors on both a short and long term basis.Managing Complex Creative Processes: A track record of running multidisciplinary creative efforts from start to finish, including schedules, dependencies, iteration cycles and deliverables.Bridging the Creative and Technical: You understand both creative development and software development needs and can translate one into the other.Review Facilitation and Stakeholder Management: Experience designing and running reviews with senior creative and technical stakeholders. You can bring divergent views together and drive clear decisions.Clear Visual Communication: Ability to describe images precisely, so you can clearly relay what artists and reviewers are seeing and asking for.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in Photography, Film, Visual Arts, Color Science, Computer Science, Imaging Technology, or a related field.8+ years of experience leading creative processes or look development work in technical or engineering environments.Experience in computational photography, camera or imaging software, VFX/finishing, or creative software development.Strong portfolio of supporting visual or art direction in editorial or commercial contexts.Experience in leading and building creative teams.Experience directing artists on proprietary or in-development creative tools.Familiarity with color science fundamentals (tone curves, color spaces, gamut mapping, LUTs).Familiarity with machine-learning-based imaging pipelines.Pay & BenefitsAt 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 $206,200 and $310,000, 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 BenefitsNote: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.EEO StatementApple 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 applicantAccessibilityAt 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 workplaceLearn about reasonable accommodations for job applicantsApplication DeadlineApple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.