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Senior Machine Learning Researcher Jobs in California

Inference

Machine Learning Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250K - $350K/yr

Perform reinforcement learning research to improve model alignment and capability * Develop and improve our distillation pipeline for training high-quality models from frontier teachers * Train ...

Expedia

Senior Machine Learning Scientist

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$107K - $146K/yr

Senior Machine Learning Scientist The Senior Machine Learning Scientist is responsible for building ... Read and apply relevant academic and industry research to improve model architectures, training ...

GEICO

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Senior Machine Learning Engineer, AI Research About the Role GEICO is redefining the insurance landscape throughcutting-edgeArtificial Intelligence, and the AI Research team is driving this ...

Apple

AIML - Machine Learning Researcher, MLR

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$147K - $272K/yr

Play a part in building the next revolution in machine learning technology. We're looking for passionate researchers to work on ambitious, curiosity-driven, long-term research projects. In this role ...

Taskrabbit

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, you will tackle exciting challenges that directly impact how ... Research, design, and implement machine learning models to solve key business problems in areas ...

Apple

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

Senior Machine Learning Engineer Imagine what you could do here! The people here at Apple don't ... This role will assist our Online Retail Decision Automation team by helping to research and develop ...

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All JobsSenior Machine Learning Researcher JobsSenior Machine Learning Researcher Jobs in California

Senior Machine Learning Researcher information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$75.6K

$135.7K

How much do senior machine learning researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior machine learning researcher in California is $75,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What opportunities for collaboration typically exist for Senior Machine Learning Researchers within a company?

Senior Machine Learning Researchers frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data engineers, software developers, and domain experts. This collaboration ensures that research insights are effectively translated into scalable solutions and integrated into products or services. Researchers often participate in brainstorming sessions, code reviews, and joint publications, fostering a culture of innovation and shared knowledge. These interactions not only drive the success of projects but also provide valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities.

What does a Senior Machine Learning Researcher do?

A Senior Machine Learning Researcher leads the development and application of advanced machine learning models to solve complex problems. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing large datasets, publishing research findings, and collaborating with engineering teams to implement solutions. Additionally, they mentor junior researchers, stay updated with the latest advancements in AI, and often contribute to setting the research agenda for their organization.

What is the difference between Senior Machine Learning Researcher vs Data Scientist?

AspectSenior Machine Learning ResearcherData Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in CS, ML, or related fieldsDegree in CS, statistics, or related fields; certifications optional
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D teams, academiaBusiness analytics, product teams, startups
Industry UsageResearch-focused roles in tech, academia, R&DData analysis, business insights, product development
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research vs applied roles in MLExploring data analysis careers and skills

While both roles involve working with data and machine learning, a Senior Machine Learning Researcher primarily focuses on developing new algorithms and advancing ML theory in research settings. In contrast, a Data Scientist applies existing models to analyze data, generate insights, and support business decisions. The roles differ mainly in their focus—research innovation versus practical application—though they share overlapping skills and credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Machine Learning Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Machine Learning Researcher, you need advanced knowledge in machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, programming (typically in Python), and a relevant advanced degree such as a PhD or Master's in computer science or a related field. Experience with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, as well as familiarity with cloud computing platforms and research publication, is often required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and present complex ideas clearly. These skills and qualities are essential for driving innovation, developing robust models, and translating research into practical, impactful solutions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California? The most popular types of Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California? For Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Machine Learning Researcher job openings:
Senior Machine Learning Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Machine Learning Researcher job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,604 per year, or $36.3 per hour.
AIML - Machine Learning Researcher, MLR

AIML - Machine Learning Researcher, MLR

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$212K - $386K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Play a part in building the next revolution of machine learning technology. We’re looking for passionate mid-level and senior researchers to work on ambitious curiosity driven long-term research projects that will impact the future of Apple, and our products. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work on innovative foundational research in machine learning. As a member of the team, you will be inspired by a diversity of challenging problems, collaborate with world-class machine learning engineers and researchers to impact the future of Apple products, and publish some of your results in high-quality scientific venues.
Description
You have a strong research background in machine learning or related fields, and regularly publish your results in the main relevant conference and journal venues, and make sure that your research results are of high quality and reproducible. You will propose your own research plan to advance our understanding of machine learning and execute it through implementation and experimentation, in collaboration with your colleagues. You will provide technical mentorship and guidance, and prepare technical reports for publication and conference talks. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with broader teams across Apple.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to formulate a research problem, design, experiment, implement and communicate solutions
Ability to work in a diverse collaborative environment
PhD, or equivalent practical experience, in Computer Science, or related technical field
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated expertise in machine learning research
Publication record in relevant conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, AAAI, CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, ACL, EMNLP, etc)
Hands-on experience working with deep learning toolkits such as Tensorflow or PyTorch
Strong mathematical skills in linear algebra and statistics
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 $212,000 and $386,300, 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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