Apple

Search Engineer - Services Special Projects

Apple$130K — $180K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related field
  • 8+ years in Machine Learning, Data Science, or Software Engineering focusing on search infrastructure
  • Experience in building and deploying large-scale search systems
  • Proficient in C++, Go, Python or Java
  • Familiar with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or XGBoost
  • Knowledge of ML system design and model lifecycle
  • Hands-on experience with vector databases like Milvus or Pinecone

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize large-scale search systems
  • Collaborate with AI/ML Scientists and engineers on Generative AI projects
  • Develop intelligent systems for personalized user experiences
  • Manage user feedback loops and model retraining pipelines
  • Utilize scalable architectures for data processing
  • Implement and enhance ranking algorithms and user modeling techniques
  • Build and maintain data pipelines and streaming platforms

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technologies
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment
  • Access to continuous learning and professional development
  • Work alongside a passionate team of experts
  • Potential for impactful contributions to user experiences
Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Search Systems Engineer to help design, develop, and optimize large-scale search systems.

Description

This role is ideal for a technically deep individual who has a strong product sense and enjoys solving real-world problems using modern AI models and scalable systems. We are a passionate team of hardworking engineers and scientists, and we are looking for a strong Search engineer to join us. You will work closely with AI/ML Scientists and engineers at the intersection of Generative AI and Information Retrieval, crafting intelligent systems that personalize user experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related field

8+ years of experience in Machine Learning, Data Science, or Software Engineering roles with a significant focus on search infrastructure and information retrieval.

Validated experience building and deploying large-scale search systems in production.

Strong proficiency in C++, Go, Python or Java

Deep familiarity with ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, XGBoost, etc.).

Solid understanding of ML system design, model lifecycle, and experimentation pipelines.

Extensive experience working with large datasets, data processing pipelines (e.g., Spark, Flink), and scalable architectures.

Deep understanding of information retrieval, ranking algorithms, and user modeling techniques.

Experience with real-time systems, user feedback loops, and model retraining pipelines.

Vector Infrastructure: Hands-on experience with vector databases such as Milvus, Qdrant, Pinecone, or FAISS.

Working knowledge of cloud environments (AWS or GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)

Experience building streaming platforms such as Apache Kafka or comparable message brokers

Experience with search infrastructure such as OpenSearch, Elasticsearch, or similar search-based stacks

Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree; PhD Preferred

Published work or patents in the domain of search systems, information retrieval, or related ML fields.

Strong foundation in deep learning architectures for search and retrieval (e.g., transformers, graph neural networks, learned sparse representations).

Exposure to multi-objective optimization in search systems (e.g., relevance, diversity, freshness, fairness).

Familiarity with MLOps tools and cloud platforms (AWS/GCP, MLflow, etc.)

Experience with graph databases such as TigerGraph

Experience with data and model versioning tools and practices (e.g., DVC, MLflow, Weights & Biases)

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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