Core Audio System 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

Employee stock purchase plan

Educational reimbursement

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California is seeking an experienced Software Developer to join the Audio HAL team. You will tackle complex engineering challenges and enhance Apple’s audio experiences across devices. Ideal candidates have strong C++ skills, an understanding of audio systems, and a passion for delivering exceptional audio experiences.

This role offers competitive compensation, benefits, and potential for career advancement within Apple's innovative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong C++ programming skills; familiarity with Swift.
• Solid understanding of multi-threaded programming and operating systems concepts.
• Experience with digital audio systems.
• Proven debugging skills across complex software stacks.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain core components of the Audio HAL and related subsystems.
• Collaborate with driver, audio stack, and application teams to define and implement new audio features.
• Own and evolve developer-facing APIs, ensuring they are robust, performant, and intuitive.
• Debug complex audio issues spanning hardware, drivers, and software layers.
• Conduct thorough code reviews and contribute to a culture of engineering excellence.

Skills

C++ programming

Multi-threaded programming

Digital audio systems

Debugging skills

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Imagine what you could do here at Apple. Every day, bold ideas become extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences faster than anywhere else in the world. We are looking for passionate, dedicated individuals who bring both technical depth and creative thinking to their work. The Audio and Media Technologies (AMT) team sits at the heart of audio, video, and graphics support across Apple's most innovative products, including HomePod, AirPods, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Our Audio team provides the foundational audio infrastructure that powers technologies such as FaceTime, Camera, AirPlay, Siri, Pro Audio, Streaming, and Music playback. The work you do here will be heard by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Description

As a member of the Audio HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) team, you will be on the front lines of building the systems that define Apple's audio experience. You will solve complex engineering challenges, develop new features and capabilities, and maintain and evolve the developer‑facing APIs used by both application and driver developers across the ecosystem. We are looking for a self‑starter who communicates with clarity and precision, pays close attention to detail, and approaches hard problems with creativity and rigor. You will thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑impact environment where your work ships to customers globally. Above all, you are someone who genuinely cares about delivering an exceptional audio experience, for both Apple customers and the broader developer community.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain core components of the Audio HAL and related audio subsystems.
• Collaborate with driver, audio stack, and application teams to define and implement new audio features.
• Own and evolve developer‑facing APIs, ensuring they are robust, performant, and intuitive.
• Debug complex audio issues spanning hardware, drivers, and software layers.
• Conduct thorough code reviews and contribute to a culture of engineering excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong C++ programming skills; familiarity with Swift.
• Solid understanding of multi‑threaded programming and operating systems concepts.
• Experience with digital audio systems.
• Proven debugging skills across complex software stacks.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience with real‑time audio software.
• Familiarity with real‑time constraints and low‑latency systems.

Compensation and Benefits

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.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Accessibility

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.