Senior Backend Platform Software Engineer - Special Projects

Apple Inc.; Cupertino, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 185,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking an engineer for the Special Projects group to build tooling for model evaluation and scalable platforms. You will design backend and infrastructure with Kubernetes, work across cross-functional teams, and help scale AI-enabled systems in production.

You will own core components, influence architecture, and prototype rapidly to deliver high-quality implementations while collaborating with robotics, generative AI, and data analysis partners.

Qualifications

• Experience with infra and cloud-native platform engineering.
• Proficient with Kubernetes deployment.
• Experience with relational databases.
• Experience building large-scale web applications.
• Strong architecture, API design, and developer experience.
• Industry experience bringing AI systems to production.
• Excellent teamwork and communication.

Responsibilities

• Build backend and infrastructure with Kubernetes and cloud-native tech.
• Help design, scale, and operate our platforms.
• Own core infrastructure components and drive architecture decisions.
• Implement Python tooling and large systems for model evaluation, testing, validation.
• Integrate with various models to scale ML-powered systems.

Skills

Kubernetes

Cloud-native

Relational DBs

Web development

System architecture

API design

AI in production

Team collaboration

Communication

CS degree

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

React.js

ML frameworks

Robotics integration

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something

Description

As an engineer in the Special Projects group, you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is building tooling for model evaluation. These platforms serve the integrations between robotics, generative AI, and data analysis. You will be able to work on highly ambitious, high-reward, and impactful projects in the early stages of development. This team has a strong focus on building useful tooling and shipping innovative user experiences for our cross-functional partners. Our ideal team member is fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations. Moreover, we value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.

Responsibilities

• As a member of this team, you will use your background to build any subset of the following (but not be limited to):
• Backend and infrastructure systems using your deep expertise in Kubernetes and cloud-native technologies.
• You will help design, scale, and operate our platforms.
• You will own core infrastructure components, influence architectural decisions, and partner closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our systems are reliable, secure, and highly performant.
• Implement Python tooling and large systems for user-facing applications to help accelerate model evaluation, testing, and validation.
• Integrate with various models to scale up and improve capabilities of systems that employ ML.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong experience with infra, cloud-native platform engineering, and Kubernetes deployment.
• Experience with relational database systems.
• Experience with large-scale web development.
• Passion for software system architecture, API design, and developer experience.
• Industry experience bringing AI systems from advanced research to production.
• Excellent team collaboration skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with React.js and web UI frameworks is a plus.
• Experience with ML systems and model evaluation is a plus.
• Experience with robotics, embodied AI, or LLMs is a plus.

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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 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.