Profiling Tools Engineer (Xcode Instruments) - Developer Experience

Role Number: 200669203Team: Software and ServicesLocation: CupertinoPosted: 2026-10-12SummaryThe Profiling Tools team is looking for engineers with a passion for optimization to lead new capabilities end-to-end: what gets built, how it works, and what ships to millions of developers across iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Core responsibilities include improving runtime data collection, analysis, and visualization in Apple's Developer Tools ecosystem.Apple's Developer Tools group provides the foundation that developers worldwide rely on to design, write, build, debug, profile, and deploy software. It's a uniquely rewarding area – where engineers own not just the implementation, but the direction – and where the people using what you build are other developers, turning ambitious ideas into shipped products.The Profiling Tools team primarily focuses on the debugging and profiling aspects of the development process, using runtime analysis techniques to instrument and introspect software to understand and improve it. The team is responsible for tools such as Instruments, xctrace, and on-device components performing low-level data capture. Tools for analyzing app behavior, improving responsiveness, and minimizing power/memory consumption are critical to making great user experiences across Apple's platforms.DescriptionWith every new technology, framework, or product, there's a need for tools that can expose important underlying system behaviors. As a result, a strong passion for learning is essential. You'll need to work effectively with Apple teams of different engineering disciplines, anticipate problems early, and communicate ideas clearly. An ideal candidate will be able to drive development projects independently, collaborating with other teams to solve tough engineering challenges, and iteratively developing and integrating solutions to complex problems. Explore our work Curious about what the Profiling Tools team ships? The best way to understand what this team builds is to watch what we've shipped at WWDC: From helping developers debug and profile agentic app experiences and find and fix performance issues in Metal games, to enabling them to profile, fix, and verify app responsiveness and optimize SwiftUI and CPU performance with Instruments — these sessions reflect the kind of engineering challenges you'd take on. Browse recent Instruments sessions on the Apple Developer portalMinimum Qualifications3+ years of macOS or iOS development experienceExpertise in Swift/Objective-CStrong problem-solving and debugging skillsUnderstanding of Operating System fundamentalsExperience in computer science or a related field commensurate with a 4-year degreePreferred QualificationsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsSoftware profiling and optimization backgroundPassion for using or improving development toolsAbility to analyze and visualize core concepts of new technologiesFamiliarity with agentic programming paradigms and AI-integrated development workflowsPay & 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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.