Video Codec Machine Learning Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Summary

Imagine the possibilities that await you here! At Apple, bold ideas rapidly transform
into groundbreaking products, services, and customer experiences that shape the
world. Are you someone who brings passion, dedication, and a drive to push bound-
aries? If so, we want to hear from you. We are seeking exceptional talent to join us in
defining the future of video. Our team is at the forefront of crafting the next genera-
tion video codec that will redefine the industry landscape and set new standards for
how the world experiences video. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact
on both Apple's ecosystem and the broader industry as a whole. Driven by this mis-
sion, our team develops cutting-edge video coding, processing, machine learning,
and systems engineering technologies that power intelligent and immersive video
experiences across Apple's iconic products and platforms, including Photos, Cam-
era, Spotlight, FaceTime, AirPlay, Sidecar, and Apple TV. You will collaborate with a
team of highly driven and talented specialists, working together to turn visionary
codec innovations into transformative technologies that reach and inspire millions of
people every day.

Description

This position is ideal for a highly self-motivated and visionary individual with a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of video coding, machine learning, and AI-driven video technologies.

Responsibilities

Leading and Inspiring a Technical Team: Guiding a team of talented specialists in researching and developing novel video codecs, with a strong emphasis on machine learning and AI-powered approaches, tailored to Apple's unique and innovative use cases.
Shaping the Future of Industry Standards: Spearheading efforts to contribute groundbreaking algorithms and ML-driven innovations to the next generation of video coding standards, positioning Apple at the forefront of the industry.
Driving Cross-functional Collaboration: Partnering closely with software and hardware teams to define, architect, and implement cutting-edge video coding and machine learning algorithms, bringing them to life across Apple's iconic products and platforms.
Advancing ML and Generative Video Technologies: Exploring and applying the latest advancements in deep learning, neural video compression, generative AI, and computer vision to unlock new possibilities in video coding and processing.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science is required.
Deep Expertise in Video and Image Coding: Comprehensive mastery of video and image coding principles, algorithms, and techniques, with a strong foundation in both classical and ML-driven approaches.
Proficiency in Video Coding Standards: In-depth hands-on experience with industry-leading video coding standards, including H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC,
AV1, H.266/VVC, and the emerging AV2, with a keen interest in how machine learning is revolutionizing these standards.
Strong Software Engineering Skills: Excellent software design, development,
and debugging skills with proficiency in C/C++, complemented by experience in
ML frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.

Preferred Qualifications

Machine Learning and AI Fluency: Strong understanding and practical experience in applying machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI techniques to video and image processing, coding, and computer vision challenges. Experience with ML-based codec design, neural video compression, or AI-powered video enhancement is highly valued
Visionary and Innovative Mindset: Passion for staying at the cutting edge of machine learning, generative video technologies, and computer vision, with the ability to translate emerging research into real-world product impact
Leadership and Collaboration: Proven experience in leading teams and driving complex projects from concept to completion, with strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively influence and inspire across cross-functional teams.

Pay & Benefits — San Diego, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.