AirPods Software Engineer, Sensing & Connectivity

AirPods Software Engineer, Sensing & Connectivity Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services Do you want to help make magic happen? Be part of the team that delivers exceptional experiences like Spatial Audio, Precision Finding, Live Listen, and seamless connectivity across Apple's world‑class headphones and accessories. Join our team to drive innovation that matters to millions of customers worldwide. We provide the wireless foundation for Apple's innovative products such as AirPods and AirTags, crafting technologies that enrich people's lives and deliver an unparalleled user experience. We're looking for motivated engineers to design and implement amazing new features across the Apple ecosystem— from deep embedded firmware to host‑side frameworks. Description Bring surprise and delight to our customers in this multi‑faceted software role that forms the pillar of AirPods, AirTags, and other accessories. You will be challenged with unique problems spanning the full stack— from real‑time embedded firmware to system frameworks— as you build and develop software solutions for current and next‑generation accessories. What makes this role unique is the end‑to‑end ownership: our team owns critical software components on both sides of the wireless connection—the embedded firmware running on accessories and the system software on iOS/visionOS devices. This dual ownership gives us the power to craft a seamless connected experience and innovate across the entire stack. Whether you’re debugging a tricky Bluetooth protocol issue, optimizing audio latency, or implementing a new feature that spans accessory and host, you’ll be solving unique challenges that directly impact millions of users every day. Responsibilities Develop and maintain embedded Bluetooth stack features on resource‑constrained accessories with real‑time performance requirements Design and implement system software, daemons, and frameworks on iOS/visionOS Bring up new audio products and chipsets Ensure secure and private wireless communications across Apple's ecosystem Debug complex issues spanning iOS-device software and accessory firmware Create diagnostic tools, telemetry systems, and testing infrastructure for cross‑platform features, working closely with QA Collaborate with a wide variety of cross‑functional teams to build and deliver end‑to‑end experiences Drive innovation on emerging wireless technologies and product features Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent experience Strong C/C++ programming skills with attention to code quality, performance, and maintainability Solid understanding of systems programming concepts: memory management, concurrency, state machines, and event‑driven architectures Strong analytical and debugging skills—ability to dig deep into complex problems Thrive in collaborative environments with excellent written and verbal communication skills Comfortable leveraging AI and LLM‑based development tools (e.g., Claude Code) to enhance productivity across coding, debugging, and documentation workflows Preferred Qualifications Experience with Objective‑C, Objective‑C++, or Swift Experience with real‑time operating systems (RTOS), embedded systems, firmware, device drivers, or low‑level system software Knowledge of real‑time audio or wireless technologies Passion for product ownership and track record of delivering features end‑to‑end 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 $129,300 and $225,300, 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. Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant. At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace. Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants. Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apple Inc.