Security-Focused System Software Engineer (Low-Level)

Apple; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 130,000 - 242,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple’s SPEAR group is hiring a collaborative system software engineer to improve the security of end-user devices. You’ll work across the lower levels of Apple’s software stack to build robust infrastructure and mitigations that raise end-user security.

The role emphasizes cross-team collaboration, thorough testing, and clear documentation, with opportunities to contribute to kernel, driver, and firmware security hardening and memory protection techniques.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience developing software for low-level environments such as firmware, hardware drivers, kernels, or hypervisors.
• Strong interest in security and a desire to deepen expertise in that area.
• Deep understanding of a system programming language such as C or C++.
• Ability to communicate clearly about technical topics, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborative, empathetic, and adaptable to multiple projects and needs.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of kernel, driver, and firmware security hardening initiatives.
• Replace or modernize low-level codebases to meet security goals using C, C++, or similar languages.
• Adopt or improve remote unit testing; work with QA on functional tests.
• Prepare architectural changes and training materials for the team to maintain progress.
• Communicate effectively across all project stages and collaborate with teams.

Skills

C/C++

Low-level programming

Security

Kernel/driver experience

Communication

Education

BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Firmware

Kernel

Hypervisors

Job description

Apple’s SPEAR group is hiring a collaborative system software engineer to improve the security of end-user devices. You’ll work across the lower levels of Apple’s software stack to build robust infrastructure and mitigations that raise end-user security.

The role emphasizes cross-team collaboration, thorough testing, and clear documentation, with opportunities to contribute to kernel, driver, and firmware security hardening and memory protection techniques.