Principal ML Software Engineer, Creativity Apps

Are you ready to be an early member of a new engineering team? This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader passionate about applying cutting-edge ML technologies to real-world applications, with particular focus on reliability and performance. This position requires a self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with all levels of the organization.

Work closely in a diverse team including scientists, engineers, and designers to deliver performant, ML-based application features in the area of Computer Vision
Architect and build efficient on-device execution capabilities for ML-heavy workloads, taking advantage of iOS platform capabilities and underlying hardware architecture
Collaborate with ML scientists and engineers to implement machine learning algorithms on-device, ensuring parity between on-device inference and training-time evaluation
Analyze and optimize the performance of machine learning models and systems, working backwards from a deep understanding of product needs.
Formulate concrete requirements from broad feature definitions, drive consensus and scope the required effort for planning
Mentor engineers and scientists in the team, fostering technical excellence and driving project execution
Build relationships with partner teams across Apple to explore collaboration opportunities and assess existing solutions for integration

BS/MS in Computer Science or related field, and 10+ years of significant iOS development experience

Strong track record in building both, user-facing apps and system-level components, driving significant product impact

Strong technical judgment and communication skills to influence leadership in high-impact strategic decisions

Deep knowledge of the iOS ecosystem, including system frameworks, APIs, daemons and resource management capabilities

Exceptional experience with Apple’s languages such as Swift and Objective-C, and machine learning development tools such as CoreML

Experience optimizing models and algorithms to run efficiently on resource constrained platforms

Excellent understanding of an ML-based product lifecycle

Demonstrated ability to lead and set direction for ML integration across organizational boundaries

Experience as a technical lead; demonstrating strong communication, collaboration, mentorship and project management skills

Committed to encouraging an open and inclusive work environment

PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning or related field

Solid understanding of computer vision, machine learning and deep learning techniques, including Vision Transformers, Multimodal LLMs and Diffusion models

Familiarity with modern camera ISP and digital image processing algorithms and models

Knowledge and keen interest in learning the art and science of photography

At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming phenomenal products, services, and customer experiences very quickly! The Creativity Apps team needs your help shaping the next generation of creative editing tools by working on pioneering technologies to surprise and delight creative pros and enthusiasts alike.

As a Principal ML Software Engineer, you will be working alongside our world-class creatives, designers, and engineers to help innovate in the creative space in ways that only Apple can. This is a highly visible, highly impactful opportunity!

At 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 $257,400 and $386,300, 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 Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple 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 applicant

At 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 workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.