Sr ML Researcher Multi-Modal Reasoning

Role Number: 200682521Team: Software and ServicesLocation: Cupertino; SeattleWeekly Hours: 40Posted: 2026-09-15SummaryDo you believe generative models can transform creative workflows and smart assistants used by billions? Do you believe it can fundamentally shift how people interact with devices and communicate, personalizing and tailoring experiences to their unique needs? SIML’s Content Understanding teams strives to turn cutting edge research into compelling user experiences that realize all these goals and more, working on Apple Intelligence technologies such as Image Playground, Genmoji, Generative Memories, Semantic Search, and many more.You will be working alonside teams that are in charge of operating system wide embeddings, personalized RAG workstreams, tool calling, context compaction / efficiency & memory systems. Projects are focussed on advancing Apple Intelligence capabilities, while working closely across disciplines with our partners in hardware engineering, design and product.DescriptionWe are looking for a senior technical leader experienced in architecting and deploying production scale multimodal ML. An ideal candidate has the ability to lead diverse cross functional efforts ranging from ML modeling, prototyping, validation and private learning. Solid ML fundamentals and an ability to place research contributions with respect to state of the art would be an essential part of the role. Experience with training and adapting large language models would be an important need.This role includes the opportunity to partner with world class system engineers to prototype and incorporate bleeding edge algorithmic innovations in the context of emerging agentic experiences. Ability to interface with large scale modeling & data infrastructure is a huge plus.Minimum QualificationsPhD with 5+ years experience or MS with equivalent experience, in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (mathematics, physics or computer engineering); with a focus on machine learning, or comparable professional experience.Hands on experience training LLMs/adapting pre-trained LLMs for downstream tasks & alignment.Modeling experience at the intersection of NLP and Vision.Proficiency in ML toolkit of choice, e.g., PyTorch.Strong programming skills in Python.Proven track record of research contributions demonstrated through publications in top-tier conferences, or open source contributions to algorithm.Preferred QualificationsExperience with building & deploying Multimodal-LLMs.Familiarity with distributed training and large-scale data infrastructure.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 $216,200 and $324,800, 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.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 $205,400 and $308,500, 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 applicantEEO 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 applicantsAccessibilityAt 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.Application DeadlineApple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.