Apple

Aesthetics Science ML Research Engineer

Apple • $135K — $160K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in multimodal vision-language models or computational photography
  • Strong collaboration skills across multi-functional teams
  • Proficient in Python and deep learning frameworks
  • PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field preferred
  • Experience with AI evaluation platforms and personalized interactions
  • Background in content creation or media curation
  • Fluency in additional languages, such as Mandarin, is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Research and implement novel computational imaging features
  • Train and evaluate machine learning and generative AI models
  • Design custom data collection efforts for feature development
  • Collaborate with research and user study teams on experiments
  • Translate complex subjective study results into actionable features
  • Prototype algorithms that enhance visual creativity
  • Communicate technical and creative insights across teams

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a creative environment
  • Collaborative culture that values both art and science
  • Real ownership over innovative features and solutions
  • Access to a diverse team of subject matter experts
  • Potential for international travel to support global user research
Full Job Description
iPhone is the most popular camera in the world, and the Aesthetics Science team is focused on infusing photographic knowledge and personal preferences into the features and algorithms that power it. We bring together aesthetics research, image processing, and machine learning to help advance photography while upholding what makes it a beloved medium for self-expression. You'll have real ownership over how these creativity-enhancing features come together into a coherent, best-in-class experience.

Description

We're seeking a self-driven, innovative research engineer to work on image-related machine learning solutions fundamental to visual experiences on iPhone and across Apple's creative ecosystem. You'll research, implement, and evaluate novel computational imaging features and multimodal solutions that shape future Apple products.

You bring solid experience designing, training, and analyzing multimodal models and evaluation frameworks end-to-end - combined with a passion for photographic aesthetics and high-quality software for visual creativity and image generation. Day-to-day responsibilities include prototyping novel algorithms, training and evaluating ML/generative AI (genAI) models, and designing custom data collection efforts.

This role involves close collaboration with our research and user study teams to design thoughtful experiments and translate the results of complex subjective studies into feature development, working alongside subject matter experts across visual media to build responsible, intelligent systems. Your work will be highly collaborative, both within the team and cross-functionally, requiring you to communicate technically and creatively toward a smarter, more inclusive camera.

What sets you apart from a traditional ML software engineer is the ability to integrate aesthetic values beyond your own into your work, and to operate confidently in spaces without clear-cut metrics. This role blurs the line between art and science and requires deep respect for both.

Minimum Qualifications

3+ years of demonstrated experience identifying novel problems and delivering viable solutions in multimodal vision-language models, computational photography, image processing, or computer vision, in industry or academia

Ability to collaborate across multi-functional teams, communicate effectively, and reason through ambiguous problems deeply and thoroughly

Excellent coding skills in Python and deep learning frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Graphics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience

Experience developing and training models for agentic workflows, tool calling, or personalized interactions

Past involvement building or running evaluation platforms for AI use cases

Personal or professional experience with content creation, media curation, or photo/video editing

Appreciation for concepts and trends in photography, videography, and visual storytelling

Proficiency in Swift, Objective-C, or Metal

Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Mandarin) to support user research across global markets.

Ability to travel internationally for work

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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