AI Research Scientist - Foundation Models & Multimodal Intelligence

AI Research Scientist – Foundation Models & Multimodal Intelligence

Sunnyvale, California, United States

Machine Learning and AI

Summary

Posted: Jul 23, 2025

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Imagine building the next generation of AI-powered experiences at Apple. We are advancing the state of the art in foundation models, applying them across language, vision, and multimodal understanding to power features used by millions of people worldwide.

As part of the Multimodal Intelligence Team (MINT), with a track record of delivering innovations from the Apple Foundation Model to real-world applications like Visual Intelligence, you will tackle the practical challenges of scaling, optimizing, for building large models as well as integrating such models and agents into Apple products. You’ll collaborate with world-class engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of foundation models and agentic system while delivering real-world impact.

Description

You will work on advancing the capabilities of foundation models and steering them toward real-world applications in Apple products. This includes researching and developing methods to improve alignment, reasoning, and adaptation of large models to practical use cases, while ensuring they meet Apple’s standards for efficiency, scalability, and privacy. A key part of your role will be to stay current with emerging research and identify techniques suitable for real-world deployment, bridging the gap between state-of-the-art advancements and production-ready solutions.

You will design and optimize large-scale data pipelines to enable robust training and fine-grained evaluation of foundation models, working with massive multimodal datasets to push the limits of performance. You will explore new ways to enhance reasoning and multimodal understanding, adapting models for Apple’s unique ecosystem, from cloud-scale infrastructure to on-device intelligence.

Collaboration will be central to your work—you will partner with cross-functional teams of engineers and researchers bring these models to life, ensuring seamless integration into Apple products and creating intelligent natural user experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

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  BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.

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  Proficient programming skills in Python and experience with at least one modern deep learning framework (PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow).

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  Experience working with large-scale training pipelines and distributed systems.

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Preferred Qualifications

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  PhD, or equivalent practical experience, in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related technical field.

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  Demonstrated expertise in deep learning, with either: A publication record in relevant conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, ICCV, ECCV,COLM, etc), or a strong track record of applying deep learning techniques to real-world products.

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  Experience with foundation models (language, vision-language, or multimodal).

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  Familiarity with large-scale data pipelines, including data curation, preprocessing, and efficient storage.

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  Experience fine-tuning or optimizing large models for production deployment.

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  Knowledge of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), personalization, or grounding techniques.

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  Familiarity with privacy-preserving or on-device machine learning.

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  Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative environment.

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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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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 ( .

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 ( .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program ( .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.