Senior Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Apple Search & Knowledge Platforms

Role Number: 200648349Team: Machine Learning and AI, Software and ServicesLocation: Santa Clara; SeattlePosted: 2026-04-01SummaryApple is where individual imaginations gather together, contributing to the values that lead to great work. Every The AI, Search & Knowledge Platforms team builds amazing products and services for Apple's customers while serving as a foundational partner to teams across Apple. The team delivers world-class AI, search, and knowledge systems powering Siri, Apple Intelligence, Safari, and iMessage, and operates the foundational platforms and infrastructure that keep these intelligent experiences running at hyperscale.You will lead the strong team of MLE, SWE, and data engineers responsible for delivering efficient and effective Generative AI models to build and improve the summarization capabilities across different data types.DescriptionIn this role, you'll drive E2E R&D and engineering to generate high-quality summaries and experiences for Apple users. This includes on-device LLM models for personal content summarization across 1P and 3P apps, and powerful summarization models on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers. In addition, improve the summarization models’ quality for world knowledge-seeking questions and Safari pages to provide accurate answers and highlight web page gists in real-time. Lead the team to develop SOTA LLM-based generative models, groundedness models, and safety models for accurate, grounded, concise, and safe summaries. Develop sophisticated on-device and on-server software frameworks for context integration fast and cost-efficient LLM-based model inference. Integrate the Apple ecosystem with Apple’s LLM infrastructure and generative models to deliver delightful user experiences. Devise the product vision and strategy and execute the plan to deliver the highest quality end-user experience. Collaborate with various organizational partners to profoundly impact billions of Apple users worldwide.Minimum Qualifications8+ years of experience in leading engineering/applied research/ML experiences in natural language processing, SOTA generative AI modelsProven record of consistent delivery of technology/products across the full Machine Learning life cycleMS or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, information retrieval, data mining, or a related fieldPreferred QualificationsStrong background and experience in Machine Learning, NLP, and RAG.Strong engineering and R&D experience in LLM post-training, advanced RL-based methods to improve LLM models’ safety and quality using RLHF/RLAIF, reward model, advanced RL policy optimization algorithms, cutting-edge hallucination reduction methods, and their engineering implementation, hands-on experience to develop and ship RL based models with high availability, low latency, robustness, and stability.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to leadExcellent product vision and sound business acumen. Ability to manage long-term strategy and short-term deliverables.Strong engineering leadership and fundamentals.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 $374,300, 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 $216,200 and $394,000, 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 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.