Senior Backend Engineer - Generative AI Platform and Systems - Special Projects

Role Number: 200678758Team: Software and ServicesLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-08-19SummaryApple 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 somethingDescriptionAs an engineer in the Special Projects group, you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is building tooling for model evaluation. These platforms serve the integrations between robotics, generative AI, and data analysis. You will be able to work on highly ambitious, high-reward, and impactful projects in the early stages of development. This team has a strong focus on building useful tooling and shipping innovative user experiences for our cross-functional partners. Our ideal team member is fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations. Moreover, we value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.Minimum QualificationsStrong Python development experience.Strong experience with infra, cloud-native platform engineering, and Kubernetes deployment.Experience with relational database systems.Experience with large-scale web development.Passion for software system architecture, API design, and developer experience.Industry experience bringing AI systems from advanced research to production.Excellent team collaboration skills.Strong verbal and written communication skills.BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or a related field.Preferred QualificationsExperience with React.js and web UI frameworks is a plus.Experience with ML systems and model evaluation is a plus.Experience with robotics, embodied AI, or LLMs 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 $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.