Applied Scientist

We’re idealists. Inventors. Forever tinkering with products and processes, always on the lookout for better. Whether you work at our global offices, offsite, or even at home, a job at Apple will be demanding. But it also rewards forward-thinking, creative thinking and hard work. And none of us here would have it any other way. Does an exciting, dynamic, and fast-paced environment catch your attention? Do you like puzzles and determining solutions that are not obvious? Terrific! Consider joining our team! The Applications team is looking for an outstanding Applied Scientist who will strengthen our team’s capabilities in statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI framework development. This role will drive innovation in building scalable ML and AI solutions that enhance our product intelligence, improve automation, and expand our AI-driven capabilities across business domains.

The Applied Scientist will work on designing, developing, and implementing sophisticated machine learning and AI models to solve complex product, engineering, and business problems. The role involves building end-to-end ML pipelines, developing AI tools and APIs, and collaborating closely with engineering, product, and marketing partners to bring intelligent, data-driven, and AI-powered solutions into production. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI framework development with strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills, ensuring effective collaboration and measurable impact in a fast-paced environment.

Key Qualifications

• PhD in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field with 1+ year of relevant experience; or MS with 4+ years of experience in applied machine learning, statistical modeling, or AI development.
• 1+ years experience and programming proficiency with Python. Alternatively, we may consider C/C+, Java, etc.
• 1+ years experience and working proficiency with distributed systems: Hadoop, Spark, etc.
• 1+ years experience and working proficiency with statistical modeling and machine learning algorithms for supervised and unsupervised learning, including classification, regression, clustering, etc.
• Working familiarity with causal inference models.
• Working familiarity with deep learning algorithms: CNN/RNN/LSTM/Transformer, etc, and deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Knowledge of model evaluation, validation techniques, and performance metrics.
• Ability to translate research ideas into scalable, production-level ML/AI solutions.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and collaboration skills across multi-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience in programming and implementing ML/AI models in Python or similar languages.
• Experience in building and maintaining machine learning pipelines, including data preprocessing, model training, and deployment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply statistical and machine learning models for prediction, optimization, or causal analysis.
• Experience developing AI tools, frameworks, or APIs to support model deployment or LLM-based applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with LLM fine-tuning, prompt engineering, or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
• Familiarity with generative AI techniques (e.g., diffusion models, transformer architectures).
• Experience building scalable ML systems using cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and ML Ops tools (e.g., SageMaker, Vertex AI, MLflow).
• Understanding of data engineering and feature pipeline automation.
• Experience developing or contributing to AI frameworks, APIs, or internal tools used by other teams.
• Strong software engineering practices, including version control, testing, and code review.
• Familiarity with cross-domain applications of AI/ML (e.g., marketing analytics, personalization, recommendation systems).

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 $163,300 and $245,800, 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.