AIML Researcher - Foundation Model, Post-Training

Summary

We are a tight-knit group of researchers and engineers responsible for building large scale

frontier foundation models at Apple. We believe the most interesting breakthroughs in deep

learning happen when we bridge the gap between raw model capability and user-centric utility.

Description

In this role, you will play a critical role shaping the future of our LLM efforts, specifically in

transforming our models into highly capable, intelligent assistants that power billions of Apple

products. You will tackle core training challenges in instruction following, tool use, deep

reasoning, and architectural adaption — designing models that deliver magical, deeply

integrated, and privacy-forward experiences across the Apple ecosystem. You will work

alongside a fast-growing team of world-class experts to explore novel training strategies,

architectural adaptations, and advanced evaluation methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on end-to-end post-training strategies (including Reinforcement Learning) to unlock model capacities toward achieving specific model behaviours.
• Pioneer novel algorithms for preference optimization, model steering, and safety.
• Drive our data strategy by researching methods for high-quality human and synthetic data
• generation, automated data filtering, and curriculum learning to improve instruction following
• and reasoning.
• Design robust evaluation methodologies to measure model helpfulness, factuality, and utility,
• moving beyond static benchmarks to accurately capture real-world performance.
• Partner closely with pre-training teams to inform architecture choices, and with product
• teams to translate user requirements into model capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning with a focus on LLMs, post-training, or
• reinforcement learning, backed by a strong record of academic or real-world
• accomplishments in these or closely related domains.
• Proficient programming skills in Python and a major deep learning framework such as JAX or
• PyTorch.
• Masters/PhD, or equivalent practical experience, in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or
• a related technical field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience training state-of-the-art large models at scale, with familiarity in distributed
• training challenges and trade-offs.
• Experience improving model performance on complex reasoning tasks (math, coding, logic).
• Experience with various transformers architectures and its transformations.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for working cross-functionally across Research
• and Product teams.

At Apple, we're not all the same. And that's our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we've experienced, and how we think. Because to create products that serve everyone, we believe in including everyone. Therefore, we are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally. We will work with applicants to make any reasonable accommodations.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Role Number: 200673105-4170