Security-Driven Systems & Kernel Engineer

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,400 - 277,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Stock programs

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Apple is seeking a Systems & Kernel Software Engineer in SPEAR to strengthen the security of Apple devices at the lower layers of the stack. You will design defenses, ramp up on partner codebases, and implement the plan in production-grade C/C++/Swift.

In a small team, you will balance security with performance and reliability, write low-level code, and contribute to documentation and training to sustain changes across devices.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in C and one or more systems languages (C, C++, Rust, Zig, or Swift).
• Experience writing low-level software (kernels, drivers, firmware, bootloaders, hypervisors, or runtimes).
• Understanding of how low-level code is compiled to machine code and interacts with hardware.
• Experience with, or an interest in, software security.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design the hardening approach for a given codebase, from surgical adoptions of memory safety technologies to broad refactors that reorient key system components.
• Ramp quickly on unfamiliar codebases and write production-quality low-level code in C, C++, or Swift.
• Balance security goals against performance, memory footprint, compatibility and reliability for devices.
• Test thoroughly, debug carefully, and partner with QA on end-to-end validation.
• Use modern tooling, including LLMs, to move faster while applying deep security engineering.
• Create documentation and training materials for the partner team.

Skills

C/C++ expertise

Rust

Swift

Low-level software

Security mindset

Strong communication

Education

BS in Computer Science

Job description

Apple is seeking a Systems & Kernel Software Engineer in SPEAR to strengthen the security of Apple devices at the lower layers of the stack. You will design defenses, ramp up on partner codebases, and implement the plan in production-grade C/C++/Swift.

In a small team, you will balance security with performance and reliability, write low-level code, and contribute to documentation and training to sustain changes across devices.