AIML - Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Retrieval and Ranking Quality (SII)

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, C++, Deep Learning, GoLang, JAX framework, Machine learning techniques, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Python Programming, PyTorch, TensorFlow, XGBoost

Job Description

We are looking for a Machine Learning engineering technical leader with a passion for using machine learning to create intelligent search applications. Our team researches and implements novel retrieval and ranking techniques, machine learning algorithms and models that power amazing Search experiences across Apple products.

We are looking for an ambitious technical leader to join our ML group. This role will have the opportunity to initiate and lead exciting projects to further shape the state of retrieval and ranking quality at Apple. As a Staff Machine Learning engineer, you will use innovative data mining, machine learning and data-driven analytical skills to solve challenging technical problems and ship novel products that will delight millions of people!

This role will have the chance to create and evaluate new retrieval and ranking algorithms, models and methods that will impact Apple and the broad AIML community. Role responsibilities include:

• Lead the research, design, implementation and evaluation of algorithms and models to enhance the quality and performance of personalized retrieval and ranking systems.
• Use advanced NLP, deep learning and LLM techniques to understand and match complex queries with relevant content.
• Analyze loss patterns in the current search and assistant stack and come up with insights, algorithms and techniques to resolve quality gaps with the goal of improving the top-line product metrics.
• Develop a long-term technical vision; propose a roadmap for team setting clear objections.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the company to define product requirements and prioritize ranking criteria that optimize user satisfaction.
• continuously on improving the metrics and performance of models the team has launched in production by leverage innovative ML techniques.

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ year Experience in Machine Learning, NLP, Large Language Models and applying these techniques at scale
• 3+ year experience in a technical leadership role; overseeing technically complex projects along with mentoring junior engineers, scaling and growing technical teams
• Strong software engineering skills in mainstream programming languages, such as: Python, Go, C/C++
• Strong communication skills
• Bachelors in Computer Science and industry work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge and expertise in Information Retrieval, Ranking or Recommendation Systems
• Extensive experience in building production quality systems or applications in search, recommendation systems, or information retrieval
• Experience using ML frameworks (pyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, XGBoost etc.)
• Ability to quickly prototype ideas / solutions, and perform critical analysis
• Background in personalization, user behavior modeling, and data-driven decision-making
• Advance degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or related field, or equivalent industry work experience

Pay & Benefits

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 $175,800 and $312,200, 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.