Distinguished Engineer, AI Infrastructure

Role Number: 200687514Team: Machine Learning and AI, Software and ServicesLocation: Cupertino; SeattlePosted: 2026-10-06SummaryApple 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 each of us believes we can create 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!As part of the Machine Learning Platform Technologies - ML Compute organization, you’ll connect the world’s best researchers with the world’s best AI infrastructure to take on the most challenging problems in machine learning and build the rock-solid foundation for some of Apple’s most innovative products. And this is Apple, so your team will innovate across the entire stack: hardware, software, algorithms — it’s all here.DescriptionWe are seeking a Distinguished Engineer to provide technical leadership in building and evolving next-generation AI infrastructure at Apple. In this role, you will shape the architecture and long-term technical strategy for large-scale training and inference systems, working at the intersection of AI research, systems, and cloud infrastructure. Your work will directly influence how frontier and production models are trained, deployed, and scaled across diverse accelerator platforms.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience15 years of experience designing and building very large-scale distributed systemsProficiency in at least 1 backend language (e.g., Python, C++, Go, Rust)Proficiency in cloud-native architectures and compute orchestration platforms (e.g., Kubernetes)Hands-on experience working with ML accelerators such as GPUs and TPUsTrack record of mentoring senior engineers and setting long-term architectural vision across orgsPreferred QualificationsMaster’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical fieldsExperience in running distributed training and/or inference workloads in productionExpertise in ML systems performance profiling, debugging, and optimizationExpertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX) and their underlying architecturesPay & 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 $311,100 and $496,900, 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 $295,600 and $472,200, 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.