Apple

Senior Research Engineer, Training Data Infrastructure in Foundation Models

Apple$130K — $180K *
Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mathematics
  • 4+ years of software engineering experience in Data Infrastructure, Distributed Systems, or AI/ML Engineering
  • Expert fluency in Python; strong skills in C++
  • Extensive experience in cloud architecture on major platforms like GCP
  • Deep experience in profiling and optimizing high-throughput data systems
  • Experience collaborating with ML research organizations
  • Familiarity with modern LLM training workflows and system architecture
  • Experience in processing complex data types beyond plain text.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize data acquisition, processing, and repository management systems for Large Model training
  • Lead efforts for quality-driven data curation including filtering, deduping, and synthetic data generation
  • Collaborate with Research Scientists to convert theoretical ideas into scalable engineering solutions
  • Architect scalable systems on cloud platforms to manage large datasets
  • Profile and debug distributed data systems to eliminate bottlenecks and optimize performance
  • Ensure that data systems support rigorous scientific inquiry and meet privacy standards
  • Innovate and implement methods for handling diverse data modalities such as images, videos, and source code.

Benefits

  • Collaborative culture focused on engineering craftsmanship and scientific rigor
  • Opportunity to work at the intersection of Software Engineering and Machine Learning Research
  • Access to advanced cloud technologies and large-scale data systems
  • Engagement in projects that shape the future of Artificial Intelligence
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Research Engineer who possesses a deep understanding of distributed systems and a strong intuition for Machine Learning. You will join a culture that values engineering craftsmanship, privacy, and rigorous scientific inquiry, utilizing advanced cloud technologies to build the data systems that powers our most capable models.

This position operates at the convergence of Software Engineering and Machine Learning Research. Unlike traditional backend roles, this position requires you to design systems where the outcome is the statistical distribution and quality of data itself. You will work alongside Research Scientists to transform theoretical observations into concrete, scalable engineering solutions. Your core focus will be the architecture of our Data Acquisition, Processing, and Repository Management systems for Large Model training. You will lead technical efforts to enable active, quality-driven data curation, including filtering, deduping, synthetic data generation and data mixing, ensuring our models are trained on the highest-quality information available.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mathematics. Technical Expertise: 4+ years of software engineering experience with a specific focus on Data Infrastructure, Distributed Systems, or AI/ML Engineering. Language Proficiency: Expert fluency in Python, and strong competence in system languages such as C++. Cloud Architecture: Extensive experience architecting solutions on major public cloud platforms (e.g. GCP) to build scalable data systems (e.g. with Apache Beam, GCS) Performance Engineering: Deep experience profiling and optimizing high-throughput data systems. Demonstrated ability to debug distributed bottlenecks (e.g., stragglers, I/O saturation), optimize data formats and provide efficient data storage solutions.

Research Collaboration: Experience working within or closely with ML research organizations (e.g., as a Research Engineer), with an ability to translate research results into engineering implementations. Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with lifecycle of modern LLM training, end-to-end workflows, and underlying system architecture. Complex Data Types: Experience in processing complex data modalities beyond plain text, such as source code repositories, images, videos, and audios.

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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