Senior Research Engineer (macOS)

Our MacPaw Research (AI) is where innovation takes shape. It’s the heartbeat of our technical evolution, where we don’t just follow trends — we define how they work within the Apple ecosystem.

As a Senior Research Engineer, you will work in a cross-functional squad with engineers and researchers, where you can blend deep engineering research with high-impact commercial delivery, without the friction of bureaucracy. Your research won't just sit on a shelf; it will power the next generation of MacPaw products.

MacPaw is a software company that develops and distributes software for macOS and iOS.

At MacPaw, we believe humans and technology can reach their greatest potential together.

MacPaw is proud to be Ukrainian. The support and development of Ukraine are significant parts of the company’s culture. MacPaw gathers open-minded people who support each other and aspire to change the world around us.

In this role, you will:

• Research and implement technical solutions for on-device AI model execution on macOS
• Build functional prototypes and adapt them to the evolving requirements. You will bridge the gap between R&D hypotheses and stable, high-performance technology
• Develop internal tools and frameworks for the TR&D team to accelerate the testing of new AI approaches and facilitate the early adoption of innovative technologies across MacPaw
• Partner with AI researchers, designers, and product teams to clarify technical details, define edge cases, and propose architectural solutions in high-uncertainty environments
• Conduct deep-dive sessions for the engineering team on research findings, document successful implementation cases, and act as a technical expert in joint projects with academic institutions

Skills you’ll need to bring:

• Strong knowledge of the Apple ecosystem, with a deep focus on macOS internals (app sandboxing, XPC services, system daemons, etc.)
• Profound background with Swift/Objective-C and experience with architectural design for complex, high-performance systems
• Ability to find solutions for undocumented technical challenges (e.g. reverse engineering techniques or exploring low-level system behaviors)
• Experience in hypothesis validation, performance benchmarking (RAM/CPU/Battery), and documenting research findings into clear technical reports
• Practical experience in building functional application prototypes from scratch and bridging the gap between an idea and a stable POC
• Upper-intermediate English & fluent Ukrainian

As a plus:

• Basic understanding of ML concepts (embeddings, tokens, LLM architecture)
• Practical experience with Python
• Experience working with MLX or CoreML
• Background in product-focused companies

What We Offer:

• ‎We are a Ukrainian company, and we stand with Ukraine against the russian aggression

We maintain workplaces for the mobilized Macpawians and provide financial support to colleagues or their families affected by the war. Here, you can also read about the MacPaw Foundation, which intends to help save the lives of Ukrainian defenders and provide relief to as many civilians as possible.

• We are committed to our veterans

Our Veteran Career and Empowerment Program is designed to ensure our veterans and active military personnel receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve.

• Hybrid work model

Whether to work remotely or at the hub is entirely up to you. If you decide to mix it, our Kyiv office, which works as a coworking space, is open around the clock. The office is supplied with UPS and Starlink for an uninterrupted work process.

• Your health always comes first

We guarantee medical insurance starting on your first working month. For those abroad, you can receive a yearly Medical insurance allowance as compensation for managing your medical expenses.

• Flexible working hours

You can choose a schedule that is comfortable for you. No one here tracks your clock in/out because MacPaw is built on trust and cooperation.

• Space to grow both professionally and personally

Education opportunities to grow both hard and soft skills, annual development reviews, and internal community.

• Teams we are proud of

We build honest, transparent, and reliable relationships within teams. Every Macpawian can improve processes and implement their ideas. We encourage open and constructive feedback and provide training for Macpawians on giving and receiving feedback.

• Office designed for people (and pets)

Our office has it all: a spacious workplace with enough room for sitting up, lying down, and running around; a gym for recreation; cozy kitchens; a sleeping/meditation room; and a terrace with a view where we throw summer parties. Also, we have two cats living in the office, and you are welcome to bring your pets to the office (we have separate floors for cats and dogs).

• Time-off policy that covers life’s needs

Convenient personal time-off policy to help you take care of essential matters in your personal life, and parental leaves. On top of all that, sabbaticals are open after 5 years of being with MacPaw.

• Join social initiatives with MacPawCares

MacPaw participates in numerous humanitarian aid and charity projects across many fields, and you are welcome to jump in to make the world a better place.

• We’re an equal-opportunity employer. Here is a safe place for applicants of all backgrounds

We are hiring talented humans. Meaning with all our variety of backgrounds and identities, including service members and veterans, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals with disabilities, and other often underrepresented groups. MacPaw does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Some benefits are under development, and new adjustments are possible.