Apple WTE - AI/ML PhD Intern

Apple’s Wireless Technology and Ecosystems team is seeking an AI/ML PhD intern for its Cellular Software team in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The role focuses on applied AI/ML research using real-world engineering data to develop solutions for cellular technologies across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and other wireless products. The intern will work with engineers, researchers, and cross-functional teams to explore technologies, build research prototypes, and translate ideas into solutions for future wireless products.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop AI/ML-driven solutions to cellular engineering problems.
• Read and implement ideas from AI/ML research papers; analyze model failures and improve performance, robustness, and generalization.
• Explore research approaches and turn promising ideas into working prototypes.

Minimum qualifications:

• Current PhD student in the 2nd year or beyond in AI/ML, Computer Science, Communication Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundations in machine learning, statistics, and optimization; strong Python and JavaScript programming skills.
• Deep understanding of software development concepts, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, and software engineering practices. Strong problem-solving, analytical, technical communication, and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of LLMs, generative AI, transformers, RAG, or AI agents is desirable; exposure to vector databases, MCP, tool calling, or agentic AI is a plus.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience developing and evaluating ML models on real-world datasets, framing ambiguous engineering challenges as ML problems, and applying model evaluation and experimental methods.
• Experience with time-series analysis, anomaly detection, clustering, or predictive modelling; a strong foundation in linear algebra, probability, and optimization.
• Understanding of wireless communications, a research mindset, and an ability to turn novel approaches into prototypes.