Graphics Architect, Platform Architecture

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 216,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple seeks a Graphics Architect in Cupertino to push the state of the art for Apple Silicon GPUs and new customer experiences. You will lead performance analysis, develop modeling tools, collaborate with Metal and driver teams, and prototype AI/ML-enhanced graphics techniques to guide future hardware and software direction across products.

The role requires deep expertise in real-time graphics, shader programming, and cross-functional teamwork to translate requirements into scalable

Qualifications

• Design or architecture experience in real-time graphics hardware systems.
• Experience leading architecture decisions for GPU subsystems.
• Strong software architecture and development background.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware performance analysis and graphics algorithm research.
• Define and drive modeling tools for exploratory design and performance studies.
• Collaborate with Metal framework and driver teams to shape next‑gen Metal API features.
• Prototype AI/ML‑enhanced graphics techniques to improve user experiences across products.
• Set direction on graphics trends to guide product development.

Skills

Real-time graphics design/architecture

Software architecture

GPU hardware subsystem leadership

Education

MS or PhD in CS/CE/EE or equivalent

Tools

GLSL

HLSL

CUDA

OpenCL

Job description

Graphics Architect, Platform Architecture

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, inquisitive people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it!

Description

The Platform Architecture Graphics group is looking for a dedicated Graphics Architect to expand the capabilities of future Apple Silicon GPUs and to enable new customer experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware performance analysis, graphics algorithm research, and optimization efforts
• Define and drive development of modeling tools and infrastructure for exploratory design and performance studies
• Partner with the metal framework and driver teams to shape next-generation Metal API features
• Drive development of new graphics techniques, including AI/ML-enhanced algorithms, via prototyping to improve user experiences across a wide range of products and applications
• Set direction on upcoming trends in graphics hardware and software across application types, guiding product development direction

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in design or architecture of real time graphics hardware systems
• Experience with software architecture and development
• Experience leading architecture decisions for a GPU hardware or software subsystem

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD degree in CS, CE, EE or equivalent
• 20+ years of relevant industry experience
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to understand product requirements
• Experience implementing graphics algorithms and writing shader code (such as GLSL/HLSL/OpenCL/CUDA)
• Experience applying ML techniques to graphics algorithms or hardware design
• Experience in performance analysis and optimization of graphics algorithms
• Experience building prototypes and models to prove key details of architectural changes
• Experience writing architectural specifications and requirements

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 $216,200 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Benefits

• 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.

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.

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.