Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Understanding, Proactive
Oct 7, 2026 Santa Clara, CA
About us
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- Size: 10,000+ employees
- Industry: Technology: Manufacturing
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Apple's On-Device Query Understanding team is building the next generation of personalized, intelligent search. You will research and develop novel approaches in query understanding and machine learning modeling, creating the technology that enables seamless search and assistant experiences across Apple products. This is a role for someone passionate about applying machine learning and generative AI to meaningful, large-scale challenges, where your work will directly shape how millions of people interact with Apple products every day.
Description
The On-Device Query Understanding team builds personalized, state-of-the-art query understanding models that power search intelligence across Spotlight and first-party apps like Mail, Photos, and Reminders. In this role, you will incorporate cutting-edge research in Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Understanding (NLU), and machine learning inference optimization to deliver fast, power-efficient ML solutions to complex query understanding problems. You will bridge research and engineering excellence to drive scalable evaluations and on-device modeling improvements, directly impacting millions of Apple users while advancing how Apple understands what people are looking for, and why.","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
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
Experience with Small Language Models (SLMs) and on-device LLM training, model compression/quantization, and deployment to production
Experience in large-scale query understanding, search, recommendation, or personal assistant systems
Proficiency with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or XGBoost
Background in personalization and data-driven decision making, with the ability to prototype solutions and conduct critical analysis
Experience with Swift, Swift frameworks, or Apple platform development is a plus
Experience with build infrastructure, release management, and CI/CD pipelines is a plus
Minimum 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
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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.
Description
The On-Device Query Understanding team builds personalized, state-of-the-art query understanding models that power search intelligence across Spotlight and first-party apps like Mail, Photos, and Reminders. In this role, you will incorporate cutting-edge research in Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Understanding (NLU), and machine learning inference optimization to deliver fast, power-efficient ML solutions to complex query understanding problems. You will bridge research and engineering excellence to drive scalable evaluations and on-device modeling improvements, directly impacting millions of Apple users while advancing how Apple understands what people are looking for, and why.","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
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
Experience with Small Language Models (SLMs) and on-device LLM training, model compression/quantization, and deployment to production
Experience in large-scale query understanding, search, recommendation, or personal assistant systems
Proficiency with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or XGBoost
Background in personalization and data-driven decision making, with the ability to prototype solutions and conduct critical analysis
Experience with Swift, Swift frameworks, or Apple platform development is a plus
Experience with build infrastructure, release management, and CI/CD pipelines is a plus
Minimum 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
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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.
Additional Information
- Salary: $150,400 – $277,600
- Posted: Oct 7, 2026