Want to make Siri smart again and help boost Apple’s artificial-intelligence chops across the board? A recent Apple job posting shows it seeks “machine-learning engineers with a background and/or interest in conversational and generative AI.”
“This role will play a critical part in helping Apple change the way humans learn about learning,” the listing noted.
Hard to say if the new engineers will inject more gray matter into Siri, but one source suggests they might work on device-based apps for Apple’s AR/VR headset, expected to show on Monday at WWDC23 Monday.
Wanted in Cupertino: AI engineers
Apple posted the new job listing on May 26, calling for full-time AI engineers in Cupertino who would receive “base pay” between $161,000 and $278,000 depending on various qualifications.
Here’s the main part of the listing’s job description:
AI represents a huge opportunity to elevate Apple’s products and experiences for billions of people globally. Apple’s Learning Technology Group is looking for Machine-Learning engineers with a background and/or interest in Conversational and Generative AI! You will be leveraging innovative models to build applications on top of Apple’s most advanced technologies, while developing your expertise in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR).
The new listing follows Apple’s other recent AI hiring efforts.
Developing apps on the headset?
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman pointed out the listing Thursday evening, saying it might have to do with a new AR/VR headset‘s on-device app development, at least at some point. And other reports have suggested Apple may want to let people create their own apps on the device.
This new Apple job listing is seeking those interested in “Conversational and Generative AI” and seems to imply there will be an on-device way to create AR/VR apps on the headset — eventually. pic.twitter.com/RAPR7Txwxf
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) June 1, 2023
The relevant part of the description is hard to miss, where it says the engineer “will be leveraging innovative models to build applications on top of Apple’s most advanced technologies, while developing your expertise in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR).”
Part of an Apple AI hiring trend
Apple seems to have reason to power up on AI on multiple fronts.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Bard are two AI-powered chatbots that have grabbed headlines recently. And their interactive abilities have cast Siri’s deficiencies in sharp relief.
A recent report suggested other job postings by Apple in its Technology Development Group mean it’s working on its own generative AI chatbot. That would help make up for Siri’s shortcomings in understanding language and generating it.
The spate of recent hiring could mean Cupertino intends to catch up on AI and then some.
But how do you get in on it?
“As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative AI models and algorithms,” Apple’s listing says. “You will work closely with other researchers and engineers to prototype and test new ideas, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring your research to life.”
So you should have these key qualifications, according to Apple:
- Strong background in Apple native platform development
- Experience with deep learning and natural language processing
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Swift, Python, and C++
- Proficiency in using ML toolkits such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.
- Deep understanding of Prompt Engineering and Build Prompt fine-tuning
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- General understanding of generative AI
And apply here.
