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Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Understanding, Proactive

Apple· Machine Learning and AI
Apply on company site
Hybrid (Santa Clara, CA)$150.4k - $277.6kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

On-Device Query Understanding team at Apple builds personalized, on-device query understanding models to power search across Spotlight and first-party apps. The role focuses on applying ML, NLP, and LLM techniques to deliver fast, power-efficient on-device solutions and to shape how users interact with Apple products through search and assistant experiences.

Responsibilities

  • Research, design, implement, and evaluate models to advance personalized query understanding, user intent resolution, retrieval, and ranking
  • Apply natural language processing, deep learning, and large language model techniques to deliver grounded, contextually relevant responses
  • Analyze performance gaps in current search and assistant systems, and develop algorithms and techniques to improve model quality and key product outcomes
  • Define long-term technical vision, propose roadmaps, and set measurable objectives for the team
  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to define product requirements, establish evaluation metrics, and maximize user satisfaction

Qualifications

  • 4 or more years of experience in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, applied at scale
  • Production software engineering experience with Python, Go, C/C++, Swift, or Objective-C
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field

Skills

Required:Machine learningNatural Language ProcessingSoftware EngineeringCommunication & Collaboration
Nice to have:Large Language Models (LLMs)On-device ML deployment

Benefits

  • Base pay range between $150,400 and $277,600 (USD)
  • Discretionary employee stock programs (RSUs)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
  • Retirement benefits
  • Discounted products and free services
  • Educational expense reimbursement (tuition)
  • Potential discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation
Last updated Sep 18, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

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