Apple

Machine Learning Algorithm Engineer - Auto Focus

Apple$150K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • MS in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience with dataset curation and data augmentation for machine learning training.
  • Proficiency in modern ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow/TFLite/LiteRT.
  • Strong software engineering skills, particularly in Python and C.
  • Experience with low-level computer vision applications such as auto-focus or depth estimation.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end architecture and rapid prototyping of advanced ML-based auto-focus algorithms.
  • Drive long-term ML roadmap for auto-focus features, managing ambiguity effectively.
  • Design learning-based systems integrated on Apple camera platforms for seamless user experiences.
  • Coordinate sub-teams to develop sophisticated architecture and tooling for auto-focus development.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to influence hardware designs and optimize algorithms.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment fostering innovation and creativity.
  • Opportunity to influence cutting-edge silicon designs and camera technologies.
  • Mentorship and professional growth opportunities within a visionary team.
  • Access to advanced tools and resources for machine learning development.
Full Job Description
As a technical leader within the team, you will own the end-to-end architecture, rapid prototyping, and productization of advanced machine learning-based auto-focus algorithms. You will maneuver through ambiguity independently to drive the long-term ML roadmap for AF, spearheading the design of novel learning-based systems integrated on Apple camera platforms which achieve seamless auto-focus user experience in any scene condition in both bright and low light. You will determine methods and procedures on complex projects, frequently acting as the representative for your area while leading cross-functional work to deploy enhanced machine learning based AF features. This includes coordinating the activities of sub-teams to create sophisticated architecture, training and tooling for machine learning based auto-focus development.

Description

You will partner deeply with the SOC architecture team to influence future silicon designs, the hardware team to evaluate new camera components impacting auto-focus, and the firmware team to optimize system-level flows for machine learning algorithms. The ideal candidate is a visionary problem-solver who thinks originally, resolves highly complex issues in creative ways, and is a proven mentor capable of inspiring innovation among others.

Minimum Qualifications

MS in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience in defining datasets for machine learning network training on low-level vision tasks as well as dataset curation and data augmentation strategies for robust training.

Expertise in modern machine learning (ML) frameworks and libraries, specifically PyTorch or TensorFlow/TFLite/LiteRT.

Strong software engineering and architectural skills, highly skilled at coding in Python and C.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with machine learning for practical low level computer vision applications including one or more of the following areas: auto-focus, stereo disparity/depth, depth estimation, defocus/blur estimation, optical flow estimation, sensor fusion.

Experience with defining datasets for training temporal networks.

Good knowledge of optics (Point Spread Functions, Depth-of-Field, etc.) and image quality metrics impacting critical image sharpness evaluation (Modulation Transfer Function, Spatial Frequency Response, Acutance, Blur/Defocus Estimation etc).

Track record of pioneering innovation comprising publications in top-tier computer vision conferences (e.g., CVPR, ICCV, ECCV) and/or patents.

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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