Senior Graphics Software Engineer

Apple Inc.; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 309,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation

Education reimbursement

Medical & dental coverage

Job summary

Apple Inc. in San Diego, California, seeks a skilled engineer to design, implement, and optimize GPU-based real-time visual effects and image processing pipelines for video playback across Apple platforms.

You will integrate AI/ML models into production workflows, ensure.colorspace accuracy, and collaborate with video, ML, and product teams to ship features with high performance on Apple silicon.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of image/video processing algorithm development, real-time focus.
• Experience optimizing GPU-based visual effects for video playback.
• Proficiency in Metal for GPU programming on Apple platforms.
• Strong C/C++ and at least one of Objective-C or Swift.
• Ability to integrate features into large mature frameworks without regressions.
• Solid understanding of NLE playback pipelines and colorspace management.
• Familiarity with node-based image processing architectures.
• Familiarity with AI/ML image/video processing on-device.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize image/video processing algorithms for real-time playback.
• Implement and tune GPU-accelerated visual effects using Metal.
• Architect node-based image processing pipelines for new features.
• Integrate capabilities into mature NLE and camera codebases with minimal disruption.
• Collaborate with ML researchers to deploy AI/ML models on-device.
• Ensure colorspace management across the entire playback pipeline.
• Profile, debug, and resolve CPU/GPU performance bottlenecks.
• Partner with hardware/display/UX teams to define requirements.

Skills

Real-time processing

GPU optimization

Metal

C/C++

Obj-C or Swift

NLE pipelines

Colorspace management

AI/ML for image/video

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE or equivalent

Tools

Metal

Core Image

AVFoundation

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. Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.