Sensing Hardware - Algorithm Systems Engineering Director

In this role, you will lead, grow, and mentor a world-class team of algorithm engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence. You will set the long-term technical vision for sensing algorithms, charting the roadmap and guiding architectural decisions that balance state-of-the-art AI/ML with proven signal processing techniques. Your leadership will span the entire development lifecycle—from early-stage prototyping, analysis to defining system-level specifications and delivering full algorithm solutions for deployment ion production that ensure robust real-world performance. A critical component of this position is driving cross-functional alignment, collaborating closely with partners in HW Engineering, Firmware, and Software to successfully integrate your team's solutions into sensor modules. To enable this work, you will also oversee the development of the critical software toolchains, methodologies, and validation infrastructure required for rapid algorithm development, rigorous testing, and efficient production deployment at massive scale.

Lead and Mentor: Lead, grow, and mentor a team of highly skilled algorithm engineers. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative team culture focused on technical excellence.
Define Technical Strategy: Drive the technology roadmap for sensing algorithms, identifying new opportunities and charting the course for future development, including the integration of AI/ML techniques.
Drive Algorithm Development: Guide the entire algorithm lifecycle, from early-stage prototyping and performance analysis to defining system-level specifications that guarantee robust real-world performance.
Partner and Influence: Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in Electrical Engineering, Firmware, Software, and System Architecture. Drive consensus and negotiate requirements to ensure your team's algorithms are successfully integrated into state-of-the-art sensor modules.
Infrastructure & Toolchain development at Scale: Oversee the development of the software toolchains, methodologies, and validation infrastructure required for algorithm development, testing, and efficient production deployment at scale.

BS/MS in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Math) or equivalent experience.
10+ years of industry experience in algorithm development, with a proven track record of shipping products.
At least 5 years in a formal leadership role, with demonstrated experience in hiring, mentoring, and retaining top engineering talent.
Deep expertise in one or more of the following areas: signal processing, image processing, estimation/inference, or machine learning.
Strong foundation in applied mathematics (e.g., linear algebra, probability, optimization).
Seasoned in cross-functional collaboration and negotiation, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Math, Physics, AIML, or a related field.
Experience leading teams that have successfully shipped algorithms in high-volume consumer electronics.
Multi-disciplinary understanding of the underlying physics and electrical engineering principles of sensing systems.
Experience establishing quantitative, system-level performance benchmarks for complex algorithms.
10 years in leadership role

Join the Sensing Hardware Architecture team and define how billions of users interact with Apple's most iconic products, including iPhone, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro. Our team pioneers the sensor technologies that enable magical new experiences, turning physical actions like touch and motion into seamless digital responses.

We are seeking a Director for our world-class algorithms team—the group that develops and delivers the foundational algorithms that bring our sensor hardware to life. Its unique strength lies in a pragmatic and forward-thinking philosophy: we artfully blend state-of-the-art AI/ML techniques with traditional signal processing and estimation theory to build the absolute best solution for every challenge. Whether the optimal approach is a classic algorithm, a deep neural network, or a sophisticated hybrid, our focus is always on delivering unparalleled performance and quality at scale. We embrace the most advanced tools from the AI/ML community to rapidly develop, optimize, and validate all of our solutions.

As the Director of this team, you will have a rare opportunity to navigate this dynamic technical landscape. You will set the vision for how we solve sensing problems, guiding your team to make critical architectural decisions that have a massive impact. Your leadership will directly influence the next generation of Apple products, deploying solutions at a scale that is second to none.

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 $305,000 and $487,200, 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 an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.