Application Guide

How to Apply for Evaluations Engineer

at Apollo Research

🏢 About Apollo Research

Apollo Research is a cutting-edge AI safety organization that partners directly with frontier AI labs like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind. They offer unique access to unreleased frontier models before public deployment, positioning themselves at the forefront of AI safety evaluation. Working here means being among the first to interact with groundbreaking AI systems while contributing directly to responsible AI development.

About This Role

As an Evaluations Engineer at Apollo Research, you'll own 'evaluation campaigns' - systematic pre-deployment testing of unreleased frontier AI models. You'll build and automate evaluation infrastructure pipelines while working directly with cutting-edge models from top AI labs. This role is impactful because you'll be ensuring AI safety before models are deployed, directly influencing how frontier AI systems are tested and released.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves designing and running evaluation tests on unreleased frontier models from labs like OpenAI or Anthropic, analyzing results to identify safety issues or performance characteristics. You'll spend time automating evaluation pipelines to increase efficiency and reliability, while collaborating with both internal teams and external lab partners to ensure comprehensive pre-deployment testing.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Apollo Research

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Apollo Research Is Looking For

  • Has experience with rigorous testing methodologies for AI/ML systems, particularly with large language models or frontier AI
  • Demonstrates strong pipeline automation skills (likely with Python, CI/CD tools, and evaluation frameworks)
  • Shows genuine enthusiasm for AI safety and frontier model testing beyond just technical competence
  • Can balance systematic evaluation with the fast-paced nature of working with unreleased models from top labs

📝 Tips for Applying to Apollo Research

1

Apply early - they're conducting interviews actively and aim to fill the role as soon as suitable, with interviews starting in December 2025 despite the 2026 deadline

2

Highlight specific experience with AI evaluation frameworks or testing pipelines, not just general ML experience

3

Demonstrate knowledge of frontier AI labs' work (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind) and their evaluation approaches

4

Show examples of automation projects that improved efficiency in testing or evaluation workflows

5

Emphasize your ability to 'own' projects from start to finish, as you'll be running entire evaluation campaigns

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with AI model evaluation/testing methodologies', 'Examples of building or automating evaluation/testing pipelines', "Why you're passionate about AI safety and frontier model testing specifically", "How you've worked with fast-moving, cutting-edge technology projects before"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Apollo Research's specific partnerships with frontier AI labs and their published evaluation approaches
  • → Current frontier AI safety challenges and evaluation methodologies in the field
  • → The specific types of 'evaluation campaigns' mentioned in AI safety literature
  • → How pre-deployment testing differs from post-deployment evaluation in AI systems

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Technical questions about designing evaluation campaigns for unreleased AI models
2 Your experience with automation tools and pipeline optimization for testing workflows
3 How you would approach evaluating a frontier model's safety before deployment
4 Your understanding of current frontier AI capabilities and safety challenges
5 Scenario-based questions about handling evaluation of sensitive, unreleased models
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on general ML experience without specific evaluation/testing examples
  • Applying close to the January 2026 deadline when they're actively interviewing now
  • Showing interest only in working with cutting-edge models without emphasizing safety/evaluation focus

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Apollo Research!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →