Machine Learning Engineering Manager - On device modeling

Apple

Apple

Software Engineering, Other Engineering, Data Science

Santa Clara, CA, USA

Posted on Apr 20, 2026
The AI represents a unique opportunity to elevate Apple’s products and revolutionize the way hundreds of millions of people access information on their devices. As an Applied ML team, we're pushing the boundaries of Apple Intelligence and innovative search technologies, all while running a low latency production service and keeping user privacy at the forefront. We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineering Manager with a passion for using latest AI advances to build on device models and systems that will power intelligent search applications. Our team researches and implements novel query understanding models and machine learning algorithms, focusing on low footprint on-device solutions, that power innovative search experiences across Apple products.
In this role you will have the opportunity to lead a team of applied ML engineers to develop LLMs and other NLP models for improving Siri's ability to understand personal domain questions and power intelligent search of on-device content. Our team owns models and engineering systems responsible for query understanding of users' questions about their personal content, with a focus on on-device models and systems that put user privacy and efficiency at the forefront. Our solutions integrate with other Siri and Search capabilities to enable powerful user experiences.
  • - Lead a team of applied ML engineers to develop on device models and solutions that power query understanding and personal search
  • - Contribute to research, design, implementation, and evaluation of models and systems to enhance quality and performance
  • - Establish target quality metrics and evaluation sets for the team to track and improve. Guide the team to design novel experiments to validate/refute hypotheses and support team wide decision making.
  • - Collaborate with partner teams to define product requirements and priorities, and to explore opportunities for enhancements to the personal search stack.
  • - Develop long-term technical vision for on device model and personal search quality; identify problem areas and integrate solutions as part of a larger roadmap.
  • 6+ years industry experience in Machine Learning, NLP, AI and applying these techniques for production applications
  • 2+ years industry experience with technical leadership or management roles
  • Deep understanding of ML fundamentals including neural network architectures, transformers, attention mechanisms, and inference optimization
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals with expertise in systems design, API architecture, and distributed systems
  • Experience using ML frameworks (pyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, XGBoost etc.)
  • Strong communication skills
  • Prior experience in building on-device AI models and deploying them in production
  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or related field, or equivalent industry work experience
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 $198,300 and $342,800, 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 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.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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