Sr Engineering Program Manager, Evaluation - Special Projects

Sr Engineering Program Manager, Evaluation - Special Projects

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: Oct 03, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number:

Apple's Special Projects team is seeking a Senior Engineering Program Manager (EPM) to lead our AI evaluation framework at the forefront of next-generation AI experiences. This is a highly visible role where you'll drive the strategic direction for how we measure and validate AI model performance across modalities.

You will organize and lead teams to architect our evaluation methodology, translating ambiguous product requirements into concrete success metrics that determine if our models meet Apple's quality bar. Your work will directly influence product roadmaps and drive critical hill-climbing decisions that shape the AI experiences millions of users will interact with daily.

This role requires mastery of both technical depth in ML evaluation and the ability to influence across teams at the executive level. You'll lead complex, high-stakes programs while mentoring teams and establishing best practices that will define Apple's approach to AI quality.

Description

As the EPM for Evaluation, you will:

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

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• Partner with technical teams to define and drive the evaluation strategy for Apple's AI models, influencing product roadmaps and technology investments.
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• Partner with stakeholders to align evaluation frameworks with product vision and business objectives.
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Technical Program Management:

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• Develop end-to-end programs to measure and validate performance of state-of-the-art multi-modal models.
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• Drive consensus on subjective quality metrics, establishing clear success criteria for ambiguous use cases.
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• Orchestrate complex data collection initiatives, simulation infrastructure, and evaluation pipelines.
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• Deliver process improvements that increase efficiency across the broader organization.
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Cross-functional Leadership:

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• Coordinate distributed teams across design, engineering, research, and operations.
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• Communicate complex technical concepts and program status directly to executive leadership.
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Minimum Qualifications

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  7+ years of technical program management experience, with at least 3 years leading complex AI/ML programs.

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  Proven track record of delivering complex programs by defining clear requirements and driving engineering teams to successful outcomes.

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  Experience influencing and driving decisions at Director/VP level.

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  Strong ability to navigate ambiguity and lead teams through uncertainty while maintaining program momentum.

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  Excellence in executive communication - ability to distill complex technical information with the right balance of detail.

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Preferred Qualifications

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  Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or related quantitative field.

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  Deep hands-on experience with large language models (LLMs), vision-language models (VLMs), and multi-modal architectures.

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  Demonstrated mastery of ML concepts, evaluation methodologies, and the end-to-end model development lifecycle.

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  Experience with reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) and preference optimization.

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  Expertise in statistical analysis, A/B testing, and experimental design at scale.

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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 $203,300 and $305,600, 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.

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.