Vulnerability Researcher, SEAR

Apple, Inc.; Zürich; On-site; CHF 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking security researchers to advance the defense of iOS, macOS and hardware. You will perform vulnerability research on software, firmware and hardware and help identify and exploit flaws to improve product security.

The role emphasizes strong technical skills, clear communication, and collaboration with teams across Apple to translate findings into safer designs. Experience with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro or Ghidra and languages like C, C++, Python, Swift or

Qualifications

• Proven experience in vulnerability research and binary exploitation.
• Excellent understanding of common vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques
• Creative & effective problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Conduct vulnerability research on Apple software, firmware and hardware components.
• Analyze and exploit vulnerabilities to assess security posture.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve product security.
• Demonstrate vulnerabilities to drive secure design.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Binary exploitation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

C

C++

Python

Swift

Objective-C

Job description

Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is responsible for the security of all Apple products. Passionate about safeguarding our users, we believe that the best defense requires a great offense. When it comes to securing more than a billion devices running the world's most sophisticated operating systems, that means finding vulnerabilities first. Can you make a difference on this scale? Join our extraordinary team of security researchers and help protect all Apple users.

Description

Our team is dedicated to safeguarding Apple products, encompassing everything from the microarchitecture to applications like Safari, Mail, and Messages. Our responsibilities include evaluating the security of iOS and macOS (kernel and user-land), boot ROMs, firmware, and hardware. By collaborating with a diverse range of teams and vendors, your influence will be felt across Apple’s products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. As a team member, your primary role will involve conducting vulnerability research on Apple software, firmware, and hardware components. Analyzing and exploiting vulnerabilities is a crucial aspect of this position. This role demands individuals with robust technical skills and a genuine passion for securing systems by demonstrating their vulnerabilities. If you resonate with these qualities, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience in vulnerability research and binary exploitation
• Excellent understanding of common vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques
• Creative & effective problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of the security architecture of at least one complex operating system.
• Knowledge of macOS/iOS is nice-to-have, but not required.
• Experience with reverse-engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, etc.) and techniques
• Familiarity with tool development, using programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Swift, Objective-C

At Apple, we're not all the same. And that's our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we've experienced, and how we think. Because to create products that serve everyone, we believe in including everyone. Therefore, we are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally. We will work with applicants to make any reasonable accommodations.

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