Machine Learning Research Jobs in California
Machine Learning Research jobs in California sit at the center of one of the most active AI and technology labor markets in the world, with demand concentrated in academic research, cloud infrastructure, autonomous systems, and biotech from entry-level research engineers through principal scientists. San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles anchor the highest volume of openings, where employers like Google, Meta, and Stanford University maintain large and sustained research operations. The most sought-after specializations are large language model development, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and ML systems optimization. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 227+ Machine Learning Research jobs
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something - you’ll add something.
Are you interested in applying machine learning and generative AI technologies to create innovative user experiences? Are you looking to bring your expertise to help build intelligent features that are reaching hundreds of millions of users across Apple platforms? We are an applied machine learning team located in Cupertino, California, part of the Input Experience group that is responsible for building machine learning technologies that enable magical user experiences like Math Notes, Smart Script, and Scribble. We are seeking an outstanding Machine Learning Engineer to help build our next generation of products.
Description
As a member of the team you will be responsible for bringing innovative ideas and applying modern machine learning methods to solve problems that matter. From ideation to productization, you will participate in the full development cycle of core technologies, including handwriting and text recognition, handwriting synthesis, document understanding, freeform drawing recognition and generation. The ideal candidate should have experience in computer vision, speech recognition, deep learning, and/or other applications of machine learning systems.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD or MSc in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a closely related field.
Industry experience in building product features based on ML including generative models or multimodal LLMs.
Experience with image processing, computer vision, speech recognition, or natural language processing.
Proven track record of programming, debugging, and design skill.
Preferred Qualifications
Detailed knowledge of one or more of the following programming languages: C++, C, Objective-C, or Swift.
Experience with common ML toolchain such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
Proficiency with Unix, iOS, or macOS development.
Excellent problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to produce creative and innovative solutions to challenging problems.
Enthusiastic about building end-to-end experiences using machine learning.
High-quality communication skills and ability to work through ambiguity.
Pay & Benefits
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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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.
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something - you’ll add something.
Are you interested in applying machine learning and generative AI technologies to create innovative user experiences? Are you looking to bring your expertise to help build intelligent features that are reaching hundreds of millions of users across Apple platforms? We are an applied machine learning team located in Cupertino, California, part of the Input Experience group that is responsible for building machine learning technologies that enable magical user experiences like Math Notes, Smart Script, and Scribble. We are seeking an outstanding Machine Learning Engineer to help build our next generation of products.
Description
As a member of the team you will be responsible for bringing innovative ideas and applying modern machine learning methods to solve problems that matter. From ideation to productization, you will participate in the full development cycle of core technologies, including handwriting and text recognition, handwriting synthesis, document understanding, freeform drawing recognition and generation. The ideal candidate should have experience in computer vision, speech recognition, deep learning, and/or other applications of machine learning systems.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD or MSc in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a closely related field.
Industry experience in building product features based on ML including generative models or multimodal LLMs.
Experience with image processing, computer vision, speech recognition, or natural language processing.
Proven track record of programming, debugging, and design skill.
Preferred Qualifications
Detailed knowledge of one or more of the following programming languages: C++, C, Objective-C, or Swift.
Experience with common ML toolchain such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
Proficiency with Unix, iOS, or macOS development.
Excellent problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to produce creative and innovative solutions to challenging problems.
Enthusiastic about building end-to-end experiences using machine learning.
High-quality communication skills and ability to work through ambiguity.
Pay & Benefits
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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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.
See All 227+ Machine Learning Research Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsMachine Learning Research Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Machine Learning Research Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple35
- TikTok17
- Nuro11
- Scale AI11
- ByteDance10
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software102
- Electronics & Hardware61
- Artificial Intelligence36
- Science & Research22
- Transportation & Logistics10
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in machine learning research jobs across California.
- PhD or master's degree in machine learning, computer science, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
- Experience designing and training large-scale neural network models on real datasets
- Demonstrated research output such as peer-reviewed publications or conference papers
- Ability to work with distributed computing systems and cloud platforms like GCP or AWS
- Strong mathematical foundation in linear algebra, probability, and optimization theory
Machine Learning Research Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a machine learning research in California?
Most machine learning research roles in California require a master's or PhD in computer science, machine learning, or statistics from an accredited university, though some companies hire candidates with a strong bachelor's degree and demonstrated project experience. California does not issue a state license for this role. What hiring managers at California research labs and technology companies consistently look for is a portfolio of original work, whether through graduate research, published papers, or open-source contributions that demonstrate independent problem-solving.
Which companies hire machine learning researchs in California?
Employers hiring machine learning researchs in California right now include Apple, TikTok, and Nuro, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of AI-focused technology companies, research universities, and well-funded biotech firms means sustained demand across both industry labs and academic institutions.
Which California cities have the most machine learning research jobs?
San Francisco, San Jose, and Cupertino have the most machine learning research openings in California. The San Francisco Bay Area dominates because it is home to the headquarters of major AI-first technology companies and university research programs at Stanford and UC Berkeley, while Los Angeles has grown substantially as entertainment technology, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare AI companies have expanded their research teams there.
Are there remote machine learning research jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, since the core work of designing models, running experiments, and writing papers translates well to remote environments. About 11% of machine learning research openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how broadly technology employers in the state have adopted flexible arrangements. The most consistently remote portions of the role are individual experiment runs, literature review, and code development, while collaborative whiteboard sessions and hardware-dependent work tend to remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a machine learning research in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a strong master's thesis or independent research project that you can discuss concretely in interviews, paired with an application to research engineer or associate researcher programs at California-based companies. Google Brain, Meta AI, and Apple all run structured new-graduate research programs from their California campuses, and UC-affiliated national labs such as Lawrence Berkeley and LLNL offer postdoctoral or student researcher appointments that serve a similar function. Candidates moving from adjacent roles like data scientist or software engineer strengthen their position by building a public project demonstrating original model design, even if it was completed outside a formal research setting.
Where can I find and apply to machine learning research jobs in California?
You can find and apply to machine learning research jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to California employers. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 227+ Machine Learning Research Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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