
ML Engineering Program Manager (EPM), Apple Ads
Required skills
- AI/ML systems
- ML systems
- software architecture
- technical dependencies
- large-scale platforms
- engineering roadmaps
- multiple teams
- technical disciplines
- technical leaders
- technical questions
Nice to have
- ML workflows
- ML frameworks
- ML platforms
- prediction systems
- algorithmic improvements
- applied research teams
Role summary
Apple Ads is seeking a senior ML-focused Engineering Program Manager (EPM) to lead complex initiatives within their machine learning and algorithmic systems. This role involves partnering with engineers, researchers, and product managers to drive roadmaps, manage dependencies, mitigate risks, and deliver scalable ML capabilities. The EPM will operate at the intersection of ML, engineering, and program execution, requiring strong systems thinking, technical depth, and the ability to bring structure to ambiguous problems. The position is hybrid, based in Sunnyvale, and requires 5+ years of experience leading AI/ML technical programs.
Description
You will operate at the intersection of machine learning, engineering, and program execution, developing enough technical depth to understand how systems work end-to-end and how changes may impact teams across the organization. This role requires strong systems thinking, curiosity, and communication, with the ability to bring structure to ambiguous technical problems and influence teams toward shared outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications
5+ years leading complex technical programs related to AI/ML systems. Strong understanding of ML systems, software architecture, and technical dependencies across large-scale platforms. Track record of driving engineering roadmaps and execution across multiple teams and technical disciplines. Ability to engage credibly with engineers and technical leaders, ask effective technical questions, and identify risks beyond individual workstreams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with technical teams and senior leadership. Demonstrated ability to learn complex technical domains quickly and operate independently in ambiguity.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of ML workflows, frameworks, platforms, prediction systems, or algorithmic improvements. Background working with researchers or applied research teams to translate exploratory work into engineering execution. Familiarity with distributed systems, low-latency architectures, cloud platforms, or other large-scale systems. Background in advertising, ranking, recommendations, experimentation, or performance marketing systems. Demonstrated use of AI or automation to improve engineering or program-management workflows. History of influencing technical direction and challenging assumptions across teams without direct authority.
Sample Apple interview questions
- 1
Architect a big data ingestion system focusing entirely on reliability and backpressure management during unpredictable traffic events.
system designmedium - 2
Break down the system design for a global digital learning environment including video hosting and user progress tracking.
system designmedium - 3
How do you architect a risk system that dynamically shifts its strictness based on the merchants tolerance for fraud?
system designmedium - 4
Break down the data pipeline required to serve live ad performance statistics to a client dashboard.
system designmedium - 5
Let us build the backend for a smart parking garage. How do you manage inventory and process payments in real time?
system designmedium
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