Core Audio Software Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 181,100 - 318,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California is seeking a seasoned audio software engineer to lead the development of spatial audio playback across all Apple platforms. This role involves collaborating with multiple teams to create immersive audio experiences.

The ideal candidate will have strong C++ programming skills, deep experience in real-time audio systems, and a solid understanding of audio codec pipelines. The position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and stock options.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional software development experience in audio or media playback.
• Experience with low-latency signal processing and mixer graphs.
• Experience integrating third-party codec SDKs into audio frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Architect and evolve the end-to-end spatial audio pipeline.
• Drive technical relationships with codec vendors.
• Collaborate closely with Bluetooth audio and AirPlay teams.

Skills

C++ systems programming skills

Understanding of multichannel audio formats

Real-time audio systems experience

Designing system-level APIs

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Apple's Media, Graphics, & Compute Technologies is at the center of audio, video, and graphics in Apple’s innovative products. MGCT’s audio team builds the audio infrastructure that powers every sound you hear on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, and Apple Vision Pro. We are looking for a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across every Apple platform. You will own the architecture of audio decoding and rendering (including for APAC and Dolby Atmos), and the real-time audio mixing engine that houses the powerful DSP for features like Spatial Audio and Enhance Dialogue. This is a high-impact role where your architectural decisions shape how users across hundreds of millions of Apple devices experience immersive audio.

Description

In this role, you will architect and evolve the end-to-end spatial audio pipeline — from codec integration, mix engine, to audio output for headphones, built-in speakers, and external multi-channel systems. You will design system-level APIs that enable apps and other Apple frameworks to integrate our spatial and multichannel audio capabilities.

Responsibilities

• You will drive the technical relationship with external codec vendors, aligning on SDK integration strategy, format evolution, and new features.
• You will collaborate closely with Bluetooth audio, AirPlay, Core Media, and other framework teams to deliver immersive audio experiences that work seamlessly across Apple's ecosystem.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong C++ systems programming skills (C++17 or later) with experience writing performance-critical, real-time code.
• Strong understanding of multichannel audio formats and audio codec pipelines (AAC, Dolby codecs, or similar).
• Deep experience with real-time audio systems: low-latency signal processing, mixer graphs, and hardware I/O.
• Experience designing and shipping system-level APIs.
• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of professional software development experience in audio or media playback.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating third-party codec SDKs into platform audio frameworks.
• Familiarity with loudness standards and dynamic range control.
• Experience with Apple audio frameworks (Audio Toolbox, Audio Unit, Core Audio) or comparable platform audio stacks.

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 $181,100 and $318,400, 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 Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.