Machine Learning Researcher, Post-Training for Foundation Models

Apple Inc

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Quick summary

Work type
On-site
Location
Cupertino, CA
Salary
$184,700–$324,800 / yr
Posted
1 day ago
Freshness
Confirmed live yesterday

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $235k
This role $255k
$168k most similar roles pay here $342k

This role pays more than 75% of similar roles. Most pay $214,000–$255,225 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $255k versus about $235k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

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About Apple Inc

Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company known for designing and manufacturing consumer electronics, software, and online services, including the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and App Store. Industry: Consumer Electronics & Software

Apple Inc currently has 2305 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $175,000–$280,000 across 1873 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Machine Learning Researcher, Post-Training for Foundation Models

AIML - Machine Learning Researcher, Post-Training for Foundation Models joins a team focused on transforming pre-trained checkpoints into high-quality models for integration into the operating system. The role involves developing end-to-end post-training recipes using Supervised Fine-Tuning and Reinforcement Learning to improve instruction following, tool use, and reasoning capabilities. Key responsibilities include researching algorithms for preference optimization and model steering, designing data strategies for human and synthetic data generation, and building robust evaluation frameworks to measure factuality and utility. The candidate will work with Python and deep learning frameworks like JAX or PyTorch to solve technical challenges such as reward hacking and sparse rewards in agentic settings. This position addresses the core problem of aligning large foundation models across creative tasks and precise workflows while optimizing for specific hardware architectures.

What you'll do

  • Design and iterate on end-to-end post-training recipes using SFT, Reinforcement Learning, and reasoning regimes.
  • Develop and implement novel algorithms for preference optimization, model steering, and safety.
  • Research methods for high-quality human and synthetic data generation to improve instruction following.
  • Implement automated data filtering and curriculum learning to enhance model reasoning capabilities.
  • Design robust evaluation frameworks to measure model helpfulness, factuality, and real-world utility.
  • Solve complex problems in reward modeling to prevent reward hacking and handle sparse rewards.
  • Align models across a spectrum of tasks from creative content to precise action-taking workflows.

What we're looking for

  • Demonstrated expertise in deep learning with a focus on LLMs, post-training, or reinforcement learning backed by a strong publication record or real-world experience.
  • Proficiency in Python and at least one major deep learning framework such as JAX or PyTorch.
  • PhD or equivalent practical experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related technical field.
  • Proven track record in post-training algorithms, techniques, and best practices for large foundation models (preferred).
  • Deep experience with human data labeling, synthetic data generation, and evaluation methodologies for foundation models (preferred).
  • Experience improving model performance on reasoning tasks such as math, coding, or logic (preferred).
  • Experience training state-of-the-art large models at scale and familiarity with distributed training challenges (preferred).
  • Strong communication skills and a passion for collaboration across teams (preferred).

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