Core Audio Software Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 217,000 - 293,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a seasoned audio software engineer to drive the technical direction of spatial audio playback across Apple platforms. You will own the architecture of audio decoding, rendering, and the real-time mix engine powering Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

This high-impact role shapes immersive audio for hundreds of millions of devices. You will architect the end-to-end spatial audio pipeline from codec integration to output for headphones and speakers, and design system APIs

Qualifications

• Strong C++17+ systems programming experience for real-time audio.
• Deep knowledge of multichannel audio formats and codec pipelines.
• Experience with real-time audio systems, low-latency DSP, and mixer graphs.
• Experience designing and shipping system-level APIs.
• BS/MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.
• 8+ years in professional audio or media playback.

Responsibilities

• Architect and evolve the end-to-end spatial audio pipeline, codecs, and mix engine.
• Collaborate with Bluetooth audio, AirPlay, Core Media, and other teams to deliver immersive audio across Apple devices.

Skills

C++ systems programming

Real-time audio

Multichannel audio formats

Audio codec pipelines

APAC/Dolby Atmos knowledge

API design

Low-latency DSP

Education

BS or MS in CS or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Audio Toolbox

Audio Unit

Core Audio

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.