The Database Engineer will architect and optimize a large-scale Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) platform for the Hardware Tech group. This role requires a combination of deep database expertise and modern AI/ML infrastructure knowledge. The engineer will focus on database architecture, optimization, and full-stack GenAI application development. Collaboration with development and DevOps/SRE teams is essential to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

• Proficiency in Python or JavaScript.
• Production experience deploying and managing vector databases such as Milvus, Qdrant, or Weaviate at scale.
• Experience with PostgreSQL or MySQL in production environments.
• Minimum requirement of a BS degree and 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong SQL proficiency with a deep understanding of query planning, indexing strategies, and optimization techniques.
• Understanding of RAG pipelines, including embedding strategies and retrieval optimization.
• Experience managing large-scale databases serving high-concurrency workloads.
• Understanding of vector database indexing strategies and tradeoffs.
• Experience with embedding models and LLM integration patterns.
• Kubernetes experience, particularly with stateful applications and database deployments.

• Architect and optimize SQL and vector database infrastructure supporting enterprise-scale design data.
• Lead technical decisions on database architecture, scaling patterns, and technology selection for the RAG platform.
• Design comprehensive strategies to ensure optimal performance of the database systems.
• Build and refine data ingestion pipelines for seamless onboarding of data by design teams.
• Collaborate with DevOps/SRE teams to ensure quality of service and proper resource allocation.
• Improve RAG retrieval performance through hybrid search strategies, index tuning, and embedding optimization.
• Monitor database health and performance metrics for the multi-tenant system.
• Develop and maintain database operations procedures, monitoring, and disaster recovery strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement of retrieval quality, search latency, and overall system reliability.
• Provide mentorship to other engineers on database best practices and scalable design patterns.

• Employees at Apple are often offered comprehensive benefits that support physical and mental well-being—flexible medical plans, confidential counseling, onsite wellness centers at major campuses, and resources for fitness and daily life. Families typically receive fertility support, paid parental leave with gradual return, caregiving leave, and dependent-care guidance, while financial perks commonly include stock grants (with purchase discounts), 401(k) matching, and income-protection coverage. Employees also see robust time off, Apple University learning and tuition reimbursement, donation matching and paid volunteer hours, and deep product and partner discounts.