Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Understanding, Proactive

Role Number: 200683571Team: Machine Learning and AILocation: Santa ClaraWeekly Hours: 40Posted: 2026-09-15SummaryApple'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.DescriptionThe 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. In this role, you will incorporate cutting-edge research in Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Understanding (NLU), and machine learning inference optimization to deliver fast, power-efficient ML solutions to complex query understanding problems. You will bridge research and engineering excellence to drive scalable evaluations and on-device modeling improvements, directly impacting millions of Apple users while advancing how Apple understands what people are looking for, and why.Minimum Qualifications4 or more years of experience in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, applied at scaleProduction software engineering experience with Python, Go, C/C++, Swift, or Objective-CStrong communication and collaboration skillsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related fieldPreferred QualificationsAdvanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experienceExperience with Small Language Models (SLMs) and on-device LLM training, model compression/quantization, and deployment to productionExperience in large-scale query understanding, search, recommendation, or personal assistant systemsProficiency with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or XGBoostBackground in personalization and data-driven decision making, with the ability to prototype solutions and conduct critical analysisExperience with Swift, Swift frameworks, or Apple platform development is a plusExperience with build infrastructure, release management, and CI/CD pipelines is a plusPay & 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 $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 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.