Staff Machine Learning Engineer - Ads Bidding & Pacing

Role Number: 200686204Team: Machine Learning and AI, Software and ServicesLocation: CupertinoWeekly Hours: 40Posted: 2026-09-29SummaryAt Apple, we focus deeply on our customers’ experience. Apple Ads brings this same approach to advertising, helping people find exactly what they’re looking for and helping advertisers grow their businesses. Our technology powers ads and sponsorships across Apple Services, including the App Store, Apple News, and MLS Season Pass.Everything we do is designed for trust, connection, and impact: We respect user privacy, integrate advertising thoughtfully into the experience, and deliver value for advertisers of all sizes—from small app developers to big, global brands. Because when advertising is done right, it benefits everyone.We are seeking a self-motivated individual that will build out the next generation of our ads platforms and ensure that Apple provides the most relevant and high quality ads experience while maintaining a healthy marketplace. You should have experience developing and implementing machine learning or optimization algorithms, ideally within the ads space, recommendations, or search relevance. You will have an excellent understanding of scalable architectures and thrive working in Agile environments.DescriptionIn this role, you will design and build scalable solutions that enable advertisers to optimize for their campaign goals and performance on the Apple Ads. You will have the opportunity to build the next generation solutions for budget and bid optimization that enable driving optimal campaign performance and advertiser experience. You will have the opportunity to apply your ability to move the state of the art techniques in a fast growing business that positively impacts publishers, developers and Apple users at global scale. The ability to be a great teammate under tight deadline constraints is key to success.Minimum Qualifications8+ years of experience building machine learning and quantitative optimization capabilities across many different product areas at scaleExperience in machine learning, quantitative methods, control systems, or reinforcement learningAbility to apply and implement research concepts, ultimately in production quality codeExperience defining clear, testable research hypotheses, including intended impact on the businessDeep knowledge of design of experiments, online experimentation approaches, preferably at scaleAbility to formulate and advocate for R&D objectives and results to cross-functional team members including executive business leadership and product managementExperience contributing and/or reviewing research for top conferences and publicationsDeep fluency in Java or Python.Experience with Spark, Hadoop or other distributed frameworks.PhD in Machine Learning, Statistics, Control Theory, Forecasting, Optimization, Reinforcement Learning or related field with experience building production systems or have equivalent experience working with large data science / machine learning projects in industry.Preferred QualificationsExperience in ads optimization, recommendations, or search relevance optimization is highly preferredPay & 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 $184,700 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.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.