Sr./Staff ML Infrastructure Engineer, Compute (TPU Scheduling) - Foundation Model

Santa Clara, California, United States Machine Learning and AI Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something! Description As a Senior/Staff Engineer on the Foundation Model Compute Infrastructure team, you will lead the design and development of scheduling and orchestration systems for large‑scale TPU workloads across multi‑region clusters. You will work on distributed systems that manage thousands of accelerators and enable reliable, efficient execution of large‑scale training and inference jobs. This role spans scheduling algorithms, cluster lifecycle management, workload orchestration, reliability engineering, and performance optimization. Responsibilities Design and evolve large-scale scheduling systems for TPU‑based training and inference workloads across multi‑region clusters Build topology‑aware, quota‑aware, and fault‑tolerant schedulers to improve utilization, fairness, startup latency, and reliability Develop orchestration systems for distributed ML workloads running on Kubernetes and accelerator infrastructure Improve cluster efficiency and operational scalability through automation of provisioning, resource management, quota workflows, and recovery handling Collaborate closely with foundation model teams to support advanced distributed training and inference frameworks such as Pathways, Ray, and JAX‑based workloads Mentor engineers and influence architectural direction across Apple’s distributed AI compute platform Minimum Qualifications 7+ years of industry experience building large‑scale distributed systems or cloud infrastructure Strong programming skills in Python, Go, C++, or similar systems languages Extensive experience with compute infrastructure and workload scheduling Strong expertise in distributed systems, scalability, reliability, and performance engineering Experience with Kubernetes, container orchestration, or large‑scale cluster management systems Experience designing backend services or infrastructure platforms operating at production scale Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering and research teams Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field Preferred Qualifications Experience building schedulers, resource managers, or orchestration systems for distributed workloads Experience with accelerator infrastructure such as TPU, GPU Experience with distributed ML training or inference systems Familiarity with frameworks such as JAX, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Ray, Pathways Experience operating large‑scale multi‑tenant infrastructure in cloud or hybrid environments Background in performance optimization, fault tolerance, or resource efficiency for large distributed systems MS or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field Compensation and Benefits At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base pay range for this role is between $181,100 and $318,400, 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. Other benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and reimbursement for certain educational expenses—including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apple