Senior Graphics Software Engineer

Apple Inc.; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 309,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking an engineer to design and optimize GPU-based real-time visual effects and image processing. You will integrate AI/ML models into production pipelines, ensure colorspace accuracy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across video engineering, ML, and product design.

Role emphasizes Metal shader development, performance profiling, and delivering high-frame-rate playback on Apple platforms with a mature application framework.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in image/video processing algorithm development for real-time apps.
• Proficiency with Metal for GPU programming on Apple platforms.
• Strong C/C++ background with Objective-C or Swift for production software.
• Experience integrating features into large, mature application frameworks.
• Knowledge of colorspace management and display rendering.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-based image/video processing models on-device.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize GPU-accelerated image and video processing algorithms for real-time playback.
• Implement and tune visual effects using Metal for high frame rates on Apple silicon.
• Architect and extend node-based image pipelines for new creative features.
• Integrate AI/ML models into production pipelines with minimal regressions.
• Ensure accurate colorspace management from capture to display.
• Profile, debug, and resolve performance bottlenecks across CPU/GPU paths.
• Collaborate with ML researchers and cross-functional teams on on-device deployment.

Skills

Image/video processing

Real-time algorithms

Metal GPU programming

C/C++

Objective-C/Swift

GPU-based visual effects

Node-based image processing

AI/ML integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE or equivalent

Tools

Core Image

AVFoundation

Xcode Instruments

GPU Frame Capture

Metal

Job description

San Diego, California, United States Software and Services

Summary:Apple's ProVideo Software team pushes the boundaries of what's possible in image and video processing, delivering breakthrough visual experiences to hundreds of millions of users worldwide. We are looking for a skilled engineer with deep expertise in GPU-accelerated visual effects, AI/ML-driven image processing, and real-time playback and video FX pipelines. In this role, you'll shape the algorithms and systems that define how Apple users relive their most important moments.

Description

You will design, implement, and optimize GPU-based real-time visual effects and image processing algorithms that power video playback across Apple platforms. Working within a mature, high-performance application framework, you'll integrate cutting-edge AI/ML models into production pipelines while ensuring correctness across colorspaces and display targets. Day-to-day work spans algorithm prototyping, Metal shader development, performance profiling, and close collaboration with cross-functional partners in video engineering, machine learning, and product design.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize image and video processing algorithms — including AI/ML-enhanced techniques — for real-time video playback applications
• Implement and tune GPU-accelerated visual effects using Metal, targeting high frame rates on Apple silicon
• Architect and extend node-based image processing pipelines to support new creative features within existing application frameworks
• Integrate new capabilities into mature NLE and camera codebases with minimal disruption to existing functionality and performance
• Collaborate with ML researchers to bring AI/ML-based image and video models from prototype to on-device production deployment
• Ensure accurate colorspace management throughout the full playback pipeline, from capture through display
• Profile, debug, and resolve performance bottlenecks across CPU and GPU execution paths
• Partner with camera hardware, display, and UX teams to define requirements and validate end-to-end visual quality

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in image and video processing algorithm development, with a strong emphasis on real-time or near-real-time applications
• Hands-on experience implementing and optimizing GPU-based visual effects for video playback pipelines
• Proficiency in Metal for GPU programming on Apple platforms
• Strong background in C/C++ and at least one of Objective-C or Swift for production software development
• Demonstrated ability to integrate new features into large, mature application frameworks without regressions
• Solid understanding of NLE playback pipelines, including colorspace management and display rendering
• Familiarity with node-based image processing architectures and their design trade-offs
• Familiarity with AI/ML-based image and video processing technologies and on-device model integration
• Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing or adapting AI/ML models specifically for image enhancement, style transfer, or video understanding tasks
• Deep expertise in Apple platform graphics and compute frameworks beyond Metal, such as Core Image or AVFoundation
• Track record of shipping real-time camera or video features in consumer-facing iOS, iPadOS, or macOS products
• Skilled in performance profiling and optimization using Xcode Instruments, GPU Frame Capture, or equivalent tools
• Proven experience with computational photography techniques such as HDR tone mapping, noise reduction, or multi-frame processing
• Background in color science, ICC profiles, or HDR/wide color gamut pipeline design

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 $175,000 and $308,500, 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.

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.