Systems Software Engineer, Core OS

San Diego, California, United States Software and Services

Join the Core Platform & Systems Technology team and help build the code that drives our operating systems on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac. You’ll deliver a unified solution used across the entire company — daemons, frameworks, certification test suites, command line tools, and even bits of UI. Your code will run on every device we ship. This role offers a rare view into true cross‑functional engineering, where your work touches nearly every part of the system.

Description

As a Systems Software Engineer on this team, you’ll contribute to Apple’s firmware update solutions, working primarily on middleware — frameworks and daemons that keep devices current and reliable. The programming languages we use on this team are C, Objective‑C, and Swift, with C being the primary language. A working knowledge of low‑level programming and the kernel is a plus, as is familiarity with I/O protocols — USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Inductive — since these are how accessories connect to our devices.

Responsibilities

• Develop new features and drive incremental improvements to existing systems
• Maintain and evolve the existing code base
• Triage and resolve incoming issues
• Build and strengthen cross‑functional partnerships across engineering teams

Minimum Qualifications

• Programming experience in C
• Knowledge of OS fundamentals
• Experience designing and developing production‑level software
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Programming experience in Objective‑C or Swift
• Analytical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently
• Spoken and written communication skills

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 $142,300 and $263,300, 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

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.