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Lead Machine Learning Engineer, Human Sensing

Apple· Software and Services
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Hybrid (Seattle, WA)$175k - $308.5kfull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Lead ML Technical Lead for the Human Sensing team within ISE, driving technical direction for multimodal human perception models (facial and full body) and coordinating cross-functional efforts across Data, Evaluation, and Platform teams. Focused on on-device performance, rigorous evaluation, dataset strategy, and rapid iteration of state-of-the-art vision architectures to enable Apple platform features.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with engineering management as the primary technical lead to define project scope, technical milestones, and roadmap execution, including rigorous KPI targets and quality benchmarks across demographics, environmental conditions, and device use cases.
  • Define dataset collection, annotation, and curation strategy in close collaboration with the Data team to systematically eliminate model blind spots.
  • Architect and lead the team's core evaluation framework and benchmarking pipelines, including custom metrics, evaluation scripts, and automated tooling to stress-test models against production scenarios.
  • Lead in-depth failure mode analysis, root-cause investigation, and edge-case discovery to drive targeted model and data iterations.
  • Drive multi-team alignment across Evaluation, Integration and Data Operations teams. Coordinate day-to-day technical execution.
  • Drive model optimization in close partnership with integration and other partner teams.
  • Train, fine-tune, and experiment with state-of-the-art vision architectures when needed to unblock research or validate hypotheses.
  • Act as the primary maintainer of the team’s core codebase, authoring and reviewing PRs, maintaining high engineering hygiene, and ensuring rapid iteration velocity.
  • Communicate technical strategy, performance trade-offs, and progress to stakeholders and senior leadership. Guide and mentor junior and mid-level engineers.
  • Stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in machine learning, multimodal foundation models, computer vision, and natural language understanding.

Qualifications

  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience) with 6+ years of industry experience in Computer Vision and Machine Learning.
  • Proven experience in a Technical Lead or Staff-level role driving project scoping, setting KPIs, and leading technical initiatives across cross-functional teams.
  • Strong expertise in evaluating complex ML systems, defining benchmarking methodologies, and conducting deep-dive failure analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate engineering teams, mentor peers, and partner closely with management on roadmap execution.
  • High attention to detail, strong ownership mindset, and agility in dynamic, fast-evolving research environments.
  • Deep proficiency in Python, PyTorch, and hands-on experience authoring clean, maintainable code and managing shared repositories.

Skills

Required:Project scoping and KPI settingDataset strategy and annotationEvaluation framework designModel optimization for on-device

Benefits

  • Discretionary employee stock programs (RSUs)
  • Discretionary bonuses or commissions may be available
  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • Retirement benefits
  • Discounted products and free services
  • Educational expense reimbursement (tuition)
  • Relocation assistance (may apply)
Last updated Sep 18, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

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