Firmware Security Researcher, SEAR

Role Number: 200672673Team: Software and ServicesLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-07-16SummaryEmbedded within Apple’s Security Engineering & Architecture organization, our team’s mission is to ensures secure runtime environments for our firmware, constrained, and isolated compute environments, so that we can protect sensitive user assets and prevent advanced attacks against our customers. We're looking for an outstanding Firmware Security Researcher to join our exceptional team whose focus is on securing the lowest level of our system to create secure and privacy preserving products that billions of users trust.As a Firmware Security Researcher, you will work with cutting edge technology alongside some of the most creative, passionate, hardworking engineers in the industry; collaborating with teams from software, hardware, user privacy, design, and more. Your influence will be felt throughout Apple's extraordinary products, including: the iPhone, Apple Vision Pro, Mac and Apple TV. Our team challenge and learn from each other to go beyond the norm to find new, innovative ways of solving problems and making our software, hardware, and customers safer. Not many jobs can offer all of these things. Security engineering jobs at Apple do, and much more.DescriptionThe role of a Firmware Security Researcher is as diverse as it is essential, you will lead research and analysis in identifying vulnerabilities and trends across our platforms, invent new defensive technologies to eliminate entire classes of issues, and drive the delivery of security mitigations in collaboration with our partner engineering teams.A typical day in the role may include:* Evaluating security-critical aspects of our products, from system architecture to code review, from product features definition to circuit layout* Providing security focused consultations to partner teams on new features and technologies* Developing intelligent automated tools for security analysis, verification, and regression defence* Identifying threats and driving the development of mitigations to prevent them* Challenging existing mitigation techniques through evaluation and proof of concept exploitation* reverse engineering exploits, if necessaryThis position may require some travel to other Apple sites and vendors.Minimum QualificationsFamiliarity with firmware and embedded system technologiesExperience with secure programming and code auditingKnowledge of modern anti-exploitation mitigations and their effectivenessBackground in firmware or systems programming, ideally in C, C++, or another systems programming languageExcellent communication skillsPreferred QualificationsIdeas and enthusiasm for using AI to fundamentally change the field of security engineeringProficiency with threat modelling complex systemsBackground in software exploitationFamiliarity with operating system internals, especially macOS, iOS, or other flavours of UNIXExperience with memory safe programming languages and/or techniquesPay & BenefitsAt 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 BenefitsNote: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.EEO StatementApple 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 applicantAccessibilityAt 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 workplaceLearn about reasonable accommodations for job applicantsApplication DeadlineApple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.