Data Scientist

This role is focused on defining algorithm quality. Day-to-day work involves writing quality specifications, establishing benchmarks, developing test scenario frameworks, and partnering closely with algorithm, platform, and UX research teams to identify where quality standards are missing or misaligned with user outcomes.

Write quality specifications that translate real user needs and device constraints into testable technical requirements
Establish acceptance criteria and benchmarks for touch algorithm families, including clear definitions of meaningful regression versus noise
Build structured test scenario libraries and coverage models reflecting the diversity of real-world touch interactions and user conditions
Identify gaps between current validation approaches and user-relevant edge cases
Design data collection, labeling, and analysis plans that enable effective validation and spec setting
Embed with algorithm teams to understand their workflows and surface gaps where quality is undefined, inconsistently applied, or disconnected from user impact
Translate user research and field data into concrete quality requirements, establishing shared language for what "validated" means at each stage of development
Provide platform and automation teams with a prioritized set of automation requirements grounded in written quality specifications
Drive adoption of quality frameworks and build consensus across teams with different algorithms, timelines, and constraints

MS in EE, ECE, CS, Statistics, HCI, Cognitive Science, or a related field
5+ years of experience in quality engineering, test strategy, or algorithm/ML evaluation
Experience writing quality specifications or test plans for complex technical systems adopted by multiple teams
Experience with signal-level sensor algorithms
Familiarity with statistical methods used in algorithm evaluation, such as A/B testing, regression analysis, and significance testing
Working proficiency with Python for data exploration and analysis

PhD in EE, ECE, CS, Statistics, HCI, Cognitive Science, or a related field
Strong understanding of ML and sensing system behavior, with the ability to reason about failure modes, edge cases, and the difference between a metric shifting and quality actually changing
Experience defining test scenario coverage models and setting benchmarks for systems where ground truth is ambiguous or user-dependent
Experience building consensus on quality standards across teams with competing priorities
Ability to write specifications precise enough for engineers to implement automation directly, without ambiguity
Background in UX research, HCI, or human factors, with experience grounding technical quality definitions in human behavior
Familiarity with embedded platform constraints
Experience with causal inference or advanced experimental design for algorithm evaluation

Join Apple's HID Quality Engineering team to ensure our products exceed our customers' expectations! You'll work with QE and Algorithm teams to build metrics around algorithm performance, turning user behavior into quality specifications and measurable standards that teams can consistently apply. You will make sure new customer facing algorithms are validated effectively using data and repeatable processes. This includes defining the right data, ensuring quality of data and labeling, and running tests on datasets.

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 $171,600 and $302,200, 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 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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.