Experience Prototyper – Software

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino seeks experienced prototypers to explore interactive software on Apple platforms, bridging hardware and software concepts with human-centered design.

You will build functional prototypes, collaborate with hardware and systems engineers, and present clear visual stories that inform product decisions and future experiences. The role emphasizes hands-on development, rapid iteration, and delivering buildable prototypes across open-ended design spaces while communicating

Qualifications

• Master's or bachelor's degree with 3+ years in a design/tech field.
• Ability to independently build a standalone GUI app and integrate with APIs.
• Strong collaboration with hardware/software engineers and designers.

Responsibilities

• Build interactive software on Apple platforms using graphics, sensors and custom I/O.
• Collaborate with hardware and systems engineers to integrate with custom hardware.
• Propose concrete, buildable prototype embodiments within open-ended design spaces.
• Communicate design intent verbally and visually through sketches, storyboards, scenarios.
• Share demos, solicit feedback, and foster stakeholder discussion.
• Document prototypes with video and other means.
• Synthesize findings into a coherent story within a context.
• Test, debug, and fix defects to improve software.

Skills

Prototype development

UX design basics

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Hands-on prototyping

Curiosity

Education

Bachelor's or Master's with 3+ years experience in design/tech

Tools

macOS

Swift

SwiftUI

Xcode

Apple SDK

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Next Gen Computing (NGC) develops new concepts and capabilities for Apple products. The team brings expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software design, and interaction design, enabling it to build fully functional prototypes that inform decisions across Apple. From rapid proofs of concept to live-on platforms distributed to dozens of internal users for longer durations, we can take an exploration as far as needed to enable our colleagues and stakeholders to get a hands‑on feel for an experience instead of just an idea. We work across a variety of product lines and work regularly with engineering, design, and human factors functions to realize our work as clearly as possible. Our team offers a unique opportunity to inform the future of Apple products.

Description

Experience prototypers combine skills in user experience design and software development to scope, sketch, and build functional software interactions that drive design conversations forward. Through deep collaboration with hardware/software engineers and designers, they connect product concepts to technical feasibility to bring abstract ideas to life. They are able to frame their explorations with human-centered design language and visual artifacts, share their work with collaborators and stakeholders, and synthesize their findings to turn building into shared learning.

Responsibilities

• Building interactive software on Apple platforms using graphics, sensors, and custom I/O


• Working closely with hardware and systems engineers to integrate with custom hardware platforms


• Proposing concrete, buildable prototype embodiments within open‑ended design spaces


• Communicating design intent verbally as well as visually through sketches, storyboards, scenarios, and diagrams


• Sharing demos with collaborators and stakeholders, soliciting feedback, and fostering discussion


• Documenting prototypes thoughtfully with video and other means


• Synthesizing findings and reflections into a coherent story situated within a context


• Testing, debugging, and fixing defects to continuously improve software

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to independently build a standalone GUI app and integrate with APIs


• Interaction design basics: concept sketching/diagramming, problem framing, visual storytelling


• Natural curiosity and intuitive desire to build something tangible to explore an idea


• Cross‑disciplinary, exploratory, and collaborative, with an ego‑less working style


• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with 3+ years’ work experience in a design/technology field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with graphical animations, motion design, or writing shaders


• Familiarity with common hardware sensors, basic signal processing and gesture recognition


• Eye for detail and/or aesthetics, awareness of modern UI design, including Apple Human Interface Guidelines


• The dynamic range to work at different levels of refinement, from scrappy to polished


• Comfortable with ambiguity, open‑ended exploration, and far‑out ideas


• Awareness of human factors considerations, such as hand kinesthetics or sensory perception


• Familiarity with GenAI workflows


• Experience with macOS, Swift, SwiftUI, Xcode, and Apple SDK


• Project portfolio of previous interactive work

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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.