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Natural Language Understanding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photon

Lead Developer | Kore.AI | Dallas

Addison, TX · On-site

$112K - $140K/yr

Implement natural language processing (NLP) and natural language understanding (NLU) capabilities to enable intelligent and context-aware conversations. * Ensure code quality and adherence to best ...

Photon

Developer | Kore.AI | Dallas

Addison, TX · On-site

Implement natural language processing (NLP) and natural language understanding (NLU) capabilities to enable intelligent and context-aware conversations. * Ensure code quality and adherence to best ...

Photon

Developer | Kore.AI | Dallas

Addison, TX · On-site +1

Implement natural language processing (NLP) and natural language understanding (NLU) capabilities to enable intelligent and context-aware conversations. * Ensure code quality and adherence to best ...

Photon

Lead Developer | Kore.AI | Dallas

Addison, TX · On-site +1

$112K - $140K/yr

Implement natural language processing (NLP) and natural language understanding (NLU) capabilities to enable intelligent and context-aware conversations. * Ensure code quality and adherence to best ...

Astound

IVA and Digital Platform Developer

Pittston, PA · On-site

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) & Generation (NLG): Implement, fine-tune, and optimize NLU models to improve intent accuracy, entity recognition, and overall comprehension. Develop effective and ...

Amazon

Applied Scientist, Core Search

Seattle, WA

Keyword-based search breaks down when confronted with natural language expressions. Queries like "I ... understanding that customers increasingly expect. Core Search team is reimagining search ...

Astound

IVA and Digital Developer

Wilkes Barre, PA · On-site

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) & Generation (NLG): Implement, fine-tune, and optimize NLU models to improve intent accuracy, entity recognition, and overall comprehension. Develop effective and ...

Astound

IVA and Digital Platform Developer

Scranton, PA · On-site

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) & Generation (NLG): Implement, fine-tune, and optimize NLU models to improve intent accuracy, entity recognition, and overall comprehension. Develop effective and ...

Amazon

Applied Scientist, Core Search

Seattle, WA

Keyword-based search breaks down when confronted with natural language expressions. Queries like "I ... understanding that customers increasingly expect. Core Search team is reimagining search ...

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All JobsNatural Language Understanding Jobs

Natural Language Understanding information

See salary details

$24.5K

$104.1K

$189.5K

How much do natural language understanding jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural language understanding in the United States is $104,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a natural language understanding (NLU) engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an NLU Engineer, you need a solid background in computational linguistics, machine learning, and programming (typically Python), often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with NLP frameworks (like spaCy, NLTK, or Hugging Face), deep learning libraries (such as TensorFlow or PyTorch), and experience with large language models are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing accurate, efficient NLU systems that interpret human language for real-world applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in natural language understanding (NLU) roles?

Professionals in Natural Language Understanding often encounter challenges such as handling the ambiguity and complexity of human language, managing large and diverse datasets, and ensuring models accurately interpret context, sentiment, and intent. Collaborating closely with data scientists, linguists, and software engineers is essential to refine algorithms and improve model performance. Additionally, staying updated with rapid advancements in NLP research and integrating state-of-the-art models into production systems are ongoing aspects of the role.

Is natural language understanding a good career?

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) is a specialized field within artificial intelligence focused on enabling machines to interpret human language. Careers in NLU typically require skills in machine learning, linguistics, and programming, and offer opportunities in tech companies, research institutions, and startups. The field is growing as demand for AI-driven language applications increases, making it a promising career choice for those with relevant technical expertise.

What is natural language understanding (NLU)?

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) is a subfield of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and respond to human language in a meaningful way. NLU involves processing text or speech input to extract intent, meaning, and context, which allows machines to interact with people naturally. It is commonly used in applications like virtual assistants, chatbots, and translation services to bridge the gap between human communication and computer interpretation.

What is the difference between Natural Language Understanding vs Natural Language Processing?

AspectNatural Language UnderstandingNatural Language Processing
FocusInterpreting and comprehending human languageProcessing and analyzing language data
Skills & CertificationsMachine learning, linguistics, AI certificationsData analysis, programming, NLP tools
Work EnvironmentAI research, tech companies, NLP development teamsData science, software development, AI projects

Natural Language Understanding (NLU) focuses on interpreting the meaning behind human language, enabling machines to comprehend context and intent. In contrast, Natural Language Processing (NLP) encompasses a broader set of techniques for processing, analyzing, and manipulating language data. While NLU is a subset of NLP, both roles often overlap in AI and language technology fields, but NLU emphasizes understanding, whereas NLP includes processing and generation tasks.

More about Natural Language Understanding jobs
What job categories do people searching Natural Language Understanding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Natural Language Understanding jobs are:
Natural Language Understanding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Natural Language Understanding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,067 per year, or $50 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Understanding, Proactive

Apple

Santa Clara, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 676 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Apple's On-Device Query Understanding team is building the next generation of personalized, intelligent search. You will research and develop novel approaches in query understanding and machine learning modeling creating the technology that enables seamless search and assistant experiences across Apple products. This is a role for someone passionate about applying machine learning and generative AI to meaningful, large-scale challenges, where your work will directly shape how millions of people interact with Apple products every day.
Description
The On-Device Query Understanding team builds personalized, state-of-the-art query understanding models that power search intelligence across Spotlight and first-party apps like Mail, Photos, and Reminders. You will drive scalable evaluations and modeling improvements that directly impact millions of Apple users while contributing to the broader machine learning community. In this role, you will bring together research and engineering excellence to advance how Apple understands what people are looking for, and why.","responsibilities":"Research, design, implement, and evaluate models to advance personalized query understanding, user intent resolution, retrieval, and ranking
Apply natural language processing, deep learning, and large language model techniques to deliver grounded, contextually relevant responses
Analyze performance gaps in current search and assistant systems, and develop algorithms and techniques to improve model quality and key product outcomes
Define long-term technical vision, propose roadmaps, and set measurable objectives for the team
Collaborate with cross-functional partners to define product requirements, establish evaluation metrics, and maximize user satisfaction
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience
Experience in large-scale query understanding, search, recommendation, or personal assistant systems
Proficiency with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or XGBoost
Background in personalization and data-driven decision making, with the ability to prototype solutions and conduct critical analysis
Experience with Swift or iOS development
Minimum Qualifications
4 or more years of experience in machine learning, natural language processing, or computer vision, applied at scale
Software engineering experience with Python, Go, or C/C++
Communication and collaboration skills
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics, Physics, Mathematics, or a related field
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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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