Senior Software Developer, Proactive - Search and Data Foundations

Apple Canada; Waterloo; On-site; CAD 119,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Canada in Waterloo, Ontario is hiring a Senior Software Developer to join the Search and Data Foundations team within the Apple Intelligence Platform. You will build on-device data and search systems powering intelligent experiences across Apple's ecosystem.

The role emphasizes high-performance, data-intensive software for resource-constrained environments, collaboration across teams, rigorous testing, and clear technical communication.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong computer science fundamentals across systems, algorithms, and data structures.
• Hands-on experience with at least one compiled language such as C, C++, Objective‑C, Swift, Go, Java, or Rust, including multi‑threaded application development.
• Experience building production software systems within large engineering projects.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills at the systems level.
• Technical communication and presentation skills sufficient to convey complex engineering concepts clearly.
• Familiarity with database systems and operating system concepts is an asset.
• Experience with performance profiling and tracing tools is preferred.
• Experience with macOS/iOS development is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop on-device data and search systems that support intelligent user experiences.
• Build high-performance, data-intensive systems optimised for resource-constrained environments.
• Contribute to data pipelines, data storage and retrieval, intelligent indexing, and search technologies.
• Write reliable, resilient, performant, and well-tested code across large engineering projects.
• Collaborate with many different teams at Apple to create groundbreaking technology.
• Apply strong debugging and problem-solving skills to tackle complex systems-level challenges.
• Communicate technical findings and designs clearly through presentations and written documentation.

Skills

CS fundamentals

Compiled languages

Multi-threading

On-device systems

System design

Education

B.S./M.S. in Computer Science

Tools

Xcode

Job description

Apple is hiring a Senior Software Developer to join the Search and Data Foundations team within the Apple Intelligence Platform in Waterloo, Ontario. This is a chance to work on next‑generation data and search infrastructure that directly powers on‑device intelligent experiences used by millions of people worldwide.

The team sits at the core of the Apple Intelligence infrastructure, developing the back‑end ecosystem of data pipelines, data storage and retrieval, intelligent indexing, and search technologies. If you're a systems developer who thrives on building high‑performance, resource‑constrained software and collaborating across large engineering organisations, this role is worth your attention.

About the Role: Senior Software Developer, Proactive – Search and Data Foundations

Day‑to‑day, you'll be contributing to on‑device data and search systems that underpin intelligent user experiences across Apple's product ecosystem. The work is technically demanding — you'll build high‑performance, data‑intensive systems that operate in highly resource‑constrained environments, all while collaborating with many different teams across Apple to bring groundbreaking technology to life.

This is a growing, talented team where technical rigour, strong communication, and a passion for systems‑level problem solving are valued every day. You'll be expected to write reliable, resilient, and well‑tested code and contribute meaningfully to large‑scale engineering projects.

Benefits and Salary

Apple offers a base pay range of $119,100 to $230,500 for this role, with your actual pay depending on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Base pay is one component of a broader total compensation package. Employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit (RSU) awards and may participate in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan to purchase Apple stock at a discount. The role may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments, as well as relocation support. Additional benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and tuition reimbursement for formal education related to career advancement at Apple.

Job Details

Company: Apple Canada

Location: Waterloo, Ontario, N2K 2V5

Requisition ID: 200686390-4102

Pay: $119,100 – $230,500 per year

Responsibilities

As a member of the Search and Data Foundations team, you'll contribute to building the infrastructure that sits at the heart of Apple Intelligence. Your work will span data pipelines, indexing, and search — all of it running efficiently on‑device and at scale. Collaboration with teams across Apple is a regular part of the job.

• Design and develop on‑device data and search systems that support intelligent user experiences
• Build high‑performance, data‑intensive systems optimised for resource‑constrained environments
• Contribute to data pipelines, data storage and retrieval, intelligent indexing, and search technologies
• Write reliable, resilient, performant, and well‑tested code across large engineering projects
• Collaborate with many different teams at Apple to create groundbreaking technology
• Apply strong debugging and problem‑solving skills to tackle complex systems‑level challenges
• Communicate technical findings and designs clearly through presentations and written documentation

Requirements / Skills

Apple is looking for a highly motivated systems developer with strong computer science fundamentals and hands‑on experience building production‑grade software. Candidates who thrive in collaborative, technically rigorous environments and have a passion for on‑device systems will be well‑suited to this role.

• B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong computer science fundamentals across systems, algorithms, and data structures
• Hands‑on experience with at least one compiled language such as C, C++, Objective‑C, Swift, Go, Java, or Rust, including multi‑threaded application development
• Experience building production software systems within large engineering projects
• Strong problem‑solving and debugging skills at the systems level
• Technical communication and presentation skills sufficient to convey complex engineering concepts clearly
• Familiarity with database systems and operating system concepts is an asset
• Experience with performance profiling and tracing tools is preferred
• Experience with macOS/iOS development is an advantage

B.S or M.S in Computer Science, or equivalent experience