Robotics AI Engineer

Apple is hiring a Robotics AI Engineer in Cupertino, CA (onsite) to turn natural user intent into adaptive, real-time behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Apply frontier reasoning models to convert user intent into robust closed-loop plans that clarify, adapt, and replan as context changes
• Design agent harnesses that ground model reasoning in the user’s context and a structured set of system capabilities
• Use multimodal models to interpret intent from audio, text, and vision inputs
• Evaluate models by mapping product requirements to appropriate metrics, then use results to identify failures and drive improvements
• Fine-tune and distill frontier models into smaller, efficient models for on-device deployment
• Deploy and optimize models on Apple silicon for real-time, efficient, interactive performance
• Rapidly prototype and assess new AI models, tools, and agent harnesses to advance product capabilities

Requirements

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field
• Experience with model fine-tuning and distillation for efficient on-device deployment
• Hands-on experience with inference engines: llama.cpp, vLLM, MLX, or Core ML
• Experience building agent harnesses for multi-step, closed-loop reasoning
• Track record of shipping products to users
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks: PyTorch or TensorFlow
• BS or MS in Computer Science or Machine Learning
• Strong foundation in and deep understanding of modern machine learning methods
• Experience training or fine-tuning your own transformer and/or diffusion models
• Proficiency using coding agents: Claude Code and Codex
• Genuine excitement for experimenting with the latest AI models, tools, and multimodal capabilities

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related field
• Experience with model fine-tuning and distillation for efficient on-device deployment
• Hands-on experience with inference engines such as llama.cpp, vLLM, MLX, or Core ML
• Experience building agent harnesses for multi-step, closed-loop reasoning
• Track record of shipping products to users
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks (PyTorch or TensorFlow)

Technologies

• Python
• PyTorch
• TensorFlow
• llama.cpp
• vLLM
• MLX
• Core ML
• Claude Code
• Codex
• Transformer models
• Diffusion models
• Apple silicon

Education

• BS or MS in Computer Science or Machine Learning

Pay & Benefits

• Base pay range: $184,700 - $324,800 per year
• Apple base pay is determined within a range based on skills, qualifications, experience, and location
• Potential for discretionary bonuses or commission, as well as relocation (eligibility may apply)
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Discounted products and free services
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses, including tuition
• Discretionary restricted stock unit awards (eligibility may apply)
• Opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through discretionary employee stock programs
• Option to purchase Apple stock at a discount via the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (voluntary participation)
• Note: Benefits, compensation, and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms