AIML - Distinguished Engineer, Foundation Model

Role Number: 200685223Team: Machine Learning and AILocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-09-22SummaryApple is revolutionizing artificial intelligence by developing sophisticatedfoundation models that power intelligent features across our product ecosystem.We are seeking a Distinguished Engineer to set the technical direction for thesystems that power our foundation model training — with an initial focus on theinference engine that the foundation model team relies on for training, modelevaluation, and other needs in the model development loop.This is a senior individual-contributor leadership role. You will be one of themost senior technical voices for foundation model systems at Apple: definingthe vision, driving execution across many teams, and raising the bar forengineering excellence. The role starts with the inference engine, but weexpect you to move fluidly into adjacent training systems areas as the needs ofthe foundation model program evolve.DescriptionWe build the frontier foundation models behind Apple's intelligent experiences,engineered specifically for Apple silicon and for experiences that are private,personal, and deeply integrated into the OS. Behind that modeling work sits ademanding systems layer, and the inference engine is at its center.Our inference engine is used by the foundation model team throughout the modeldevelopment lifecycle: generating and processing data and running rollouts fortraining, powering large-scale model evaluation, and serving as an LLM judgethat scores and compares model outputs. These workloads are high throughput,bursty, and tightly coupled to research iteration — the speed, efficiency, andreliability of the engine directly set the pace at which the team can train andimprove models.As a Distinguished Engineer, you will own the technical strategy for thisinference engine and the broader systems that support it. You will partnerclosely with modeling and research teams to bring new capabilities into thedevelopment loop, work across many internal teams with very differentrequirements, and lead a diverse set of engineers in turning an ambitiousvision into shipped milestones. While inference is the initial focus, you willalso help shape adjacent areas — training infrastructure, data systems, andevaluation. If you are drawn to hard systems problems where the research andthe infrastructure are inseparable, this is the role.Minimum QualificationsMS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related technical field, or equivalent industry experience.15+ years of experience building large-scale ML or distributed systems, with a track record of technical leadership and industry-wide or company-wide impact.Deep, hands-on expertise in foundation model inference engines, with a proven record of improving performance, efficiency, and reliability at scale.Deep experience supporting a diverse set of foundation model inference use cases, each with different throughput, latency, cost, and quality constraints.Breadth beyond inference — the ability to contribute in adjacent systems areas such as training infrastructure, data systems, or evaluation.Deep understanding of GPU/TPU/accelerator architecture, distributed systems, and model optimization (quantization, distillation, compilation, serving).Proficiency with ML frameworks such as JAX, PyTorch, and with inference/serving stacks.Proven experience leading a diverse set of engineers in setting vision and driving execution, including prioritization for milestone deliveries.Demonstrated experience mentoring junior and senior engineers.Demonstrated experience partnering with ML researchers and modeling teams to productionize research.Preferred QualificationsExperience building or leading inference systems for large language models and multi-modal foundation models at scale.Experience with inference in training, evaluation, or reinforcement-learning loops (e.g., large-scale rollouts, offline eval, or LLM-as-judge / reward scoring).Familiarity with Kubernetes, Docker, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), and with distributed computing frameworks.History of defining technical strategy that shaped an organization's or the industry's direction.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 $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.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.