Places Data and ML Director

Role Number: 200679879Team: Machine Learning and AI, Software and ServicesLocation: CupertinoWeekly Hours: 40Posted: 2026-08-27SummaryApple Maps enables millions of delightful user experiences every day across the world. Places data is where the Maps experience truly comes to life, whether someone is trying to discover a unique restaurant, a weekend getaway, or an essential service. Our mission is simple — to build the freshest, most accurate Places data, and powering features that enhance daily life.With us, you will help create the best global Places dataset, which powers Maps and location experiences across the Apple ecosystem. Our team ingests, ranks, and conflates hundreds of sources of places information — including photos, reviews, and much more — and augments them using cutting-edge machine learning techniques at scale. We are a high-powered, geographically distributed team with years of geospatial knowledge, systems expertise, and product development experience.Passionate about Generative AI, Computer Vision, Spatial AI and other emerging technologies? This could be the perfect opportunity for you!DescriptionMaps are a reflection of the physical world, and capturing this reality in a digital form is both highly challenging and rewarding. As the world constantly evolves, keeping Maps up to date demands significant investments in Machine Learning and Engineering. From Computer Vision to Generative AI and classic software engineering, maps data leverages cutting-edge ML techniques to process, interpret, and contextualize information from unstructured data ranging from text to 3D imagery.As the Director of Places Data and ML team, you will lead all aspects of engineering for Places Data. You will combine AI/ML techniques with software engineering to solve complex map data challenges. You will collaborate with world-class cross-functional teams, including engineers, data analysts, labelers, and validators, to develop innovative solutions.You will also play a key role in architecting a sophisticated ML-centric data platform, collaborating with some of the brightest engineering minds in the world. Your work will span a wide range of models, from large-scale data center grade solutions to lightweight edge solutions. By ensuring the freshest and most accurate data, your contributions will power seamless and delightful user experiences.Successful leaders at Apple balance both technical execution and the long-term vision for their team. They collaborate effectively with partner and product teams to define goals, set expectations, and shape roadmaps. As a leader, you will provide both technical and career mentorship, empowering your team to succeed. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for communicating technical complexities clearly to engineering partners, product management teams, and executives across Apple.Minimum Qualifications15+ years of experience applying and leading engineering teams that apply sophisticated statistical and ML methods to analyze and process large, complex data sets.Experience in one or more of the following domains: Algorithms, Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Deep Neural Networks, Distributed Systems, Information Retrieval and Machine Learning.Experience in Computer Vision, Natural Language processing and Unstructured Web Data.Strong foundational understanding of mathematics behind modern machine learning, including linear algebra and statistics.Familiarity with databases, SQL, and scripting languages.Proven ability to translate requirements from design to implementation, both independently and within larger teams.Demonstrated ability to build and inspire teams to achieve extraordinary results.Master's degree or equivalent experience in AI, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.Preferred QualificationsExperience in Maps Data, specifically Business Listings and other Places of Interest.PhD or Master's degree in AI, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.Experience in evaluating and deploying large-scale machine learning models, deep learning, and natural language processing solutions.A track record of publishing research papers in leading AI/ML journals is a plus.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.