Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR

Role Number: 200659973Team: Software and ServicesLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-04-24SummaryApple’s Security Engineering & Architecture (SEAR) organization is responsible for the security of all Apple products. Passionate about safeguarding our users, we lead with offence proactively uncovering and eliminating vulnerabilities before attackers ever get the chance.As AI systems become deeply integrated into operating systems, developer tools, and user experiences, they introduce entirely new attack surfaces vulnerable to prompt injection, agentic privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and AI-assisted exploitation at unprecedented scale.Think you have the creativity and determination to break these systems? Join us and help secure the next generation of intelligent platforms used by billions of people.DescriptionIn this role, you will identify and exploit vulnerabilities in AI-powered features and agentic systems across Apple platforms. The AI systems themselves are the attack surface. You will help to build offensive capabilities against autonomous systems and anticipate how adversaries may exploit AI enabled systems in the wild.You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple.You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific attack classes, including prompt injection, agentic data exfiltration and lateral movement, persistence mechanisms in AI workflows, AI-assisted vulnerability discovery and exploitation.Minimum QualificationsSolid grounding in common vulnerability classes (memory corruption, logic flaws, auth bypass)Proven experience in security research, vulnerability discovery, or offensive security (e.g., browsers, 0-click, messaging systems, distributed systems, or AI platforms)Strong understanding of modern AI/LLM systems and their failure modes (e.g., prompt injection, data exfiltration, model misuse)Experience applying AI/ML tools (e.g., LLMs, agents) to automate or augment security research workflowsPreferred QualificationsExperience attacking or defending agentic systems (multi-step AI workflows, tool-using agents, MCP-style integrations)Familiarity with prompt injection techniques, obfuscation (e.g., encoding-based bypasses), and model manipulation strategiesExperience building or evaluating AI-driven vulnerability discovery pipelinesUnderstanding of browser-based AI integrations and risks (e.g., agentic browsing, data boundary violations)Knowledge of capability-based security models or policy enforcement systems for AI agentsExperience with reverse engineering and low-level systems (IDA, Ghidra, LLDB)Proficiency in one or more: Python, C/C++, Swift, Objective-CFamiliarity with Apple platforms (iOS, macOS) and their security architecturePay & 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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.