As an ML Researcher at Apple Foundation Models, you will join a cutting-edge team focused on developing next-generation foundation models tailored for Apple silicon. Your role involves working across the training lifecycle, from pre-training to mid-training optimization, with a focus on engineering models that are private and personal. You’ll tackle complex challenges in reinforcement learning (RL) for reasoning and coding, including RL with verifiable rewards, multi-turn RL for coding agents, and scaling laws for efficient compute allocation. Key technologies include Python along with deep learning frameworks like JAX, PyTorch, or TensorFlow, alongside expertise in reinforcement learning techniques such as PPO and reward modeling. This applied research role ensures direct product impact, with your work reaching millions of users through innovative solutions that integrate seamlessly into Apple’s ecosystem.
Develop frontier foundation models for Apple silicon, optimizing for privacy and personalization.
Train models using reinforcement learning (RL) to enhance reasoning and coding capabilities.
Work on reward modeling to prevent reward hacking in agentic settings with sparse rewards.
Investigate scaling laws for RL compute allocation and progressive alignment across model stages.
Create autonomous coding agents that operate within real repositories, evaluated on benchmarks like SWE-Bench.
What we're looking for
Demonstrated expertise in deep learning with publications at top ML or NLP conferences.
Proficient programming skills in Python and experience with JAX, PyTorch, or TensorFlow.
PhD in Computer Science or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience with reinforcement learning for LLMs including RLHF, GRPO, PPO, and RLVR.
Knowledge of code generation and coding agents, including repository-level understanding and agentic coding.
Market check
Salary context
This
$181,100–$318,400
range sits above
88%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$129,250–$225,000
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$142,400–$224,325
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
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
43 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$147,400–$272,100
across 35 roles with salary data.