Senior Performance Engineer - Apple Frameworks

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 184,700 - 324,800; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA, is seeking a Senior Performance Engineer to advance our framework performance across UI, rendering, and system layers. You will establish baselines, diagnose complex bottlenecks, and build automated regression testing to prevent issues.

You will partner with performance and client engineers to deliver fast, responsive, and visually refined experiences. The role emphasizes hands-on analysis, collaboration, and scalable test automation, with a focus on memory, CPU,

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or equivalent.
• 5+ years developing performance-critical software with strong systems architecture knowledge for mobile applications.
• UI development for iOS, macOS, watchOS or other native platforms.
• Experience using profiling tools (Xcode Instruments, Android Studio Profiler, VTune) to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.
• Proficiency in performance analysis, debugging, and code optimization to enhance UI performance.
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse teams and operate in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to communicate complex performance insights with actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, identify, and resolve intricate performance challenges.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams to explore product architecture and bottlenecks.
• Address performance regressions from cross-domain interactions between UI, Rendering, and System components.
• Lead efforts to establish a reliable performance test automation infrastructure.
• Develop tools providing clear, actionable insights across performance domains.
• Conduct and share research on trends and best practices for performance across memory, CPU, GPU, power, and launch times.

Skills

Performance profiling

UI performance

Systems architecture

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Xcode Instruments

Android Studio Profiler

VTune

Job description

Senior Performance Engineer - Apple Frameworks

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Our 3D Graphics Team is looking for a Senior Performance Engineer with a balanced focus on system and performance to join our team. In this role, you will dive deep into our system architecture and user interface systems, establish performance baselines, solve complex performance issues, and build the mechanisms which prevent regressions before they happen.

Description

As a hands‑on and collaborative performance engineer on our team, you will be equally focused on identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex performance issues across our applications, systems, and user‑interface layers. A major part of your goals will also involve designing and implementing a comprehensive, automated power and performance regression testing strategy, targeting critical metrics like frame rate, latency, memory, power efficiency, and overall system responsiveness across all platforms. In this role, you will partner with other performance and client engineers, cross‑functionally providing the critical data and insights that guide our engineering teams to craft efficient, responsive, and visually appealing experiences.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, identify, and resolve intricate performance challenges
• Collaborate with other engineering teams to explore product architecture, pinpoint bottlenecks, and propose practical performance improvements.
• Address performance regressions arising from cross‑domain interactions between UI, Rendering, and System components (e.g., UIKit, CoreAnimation, Metal, etc.).
• Lead efforts to establish a reliable performance test automation infrastructure, thereby fostering confidence in the accuracy and reliability of test outcomes.
• Develop tools that provide clear, actionable insights across performance domains, fostering confidence within the team.
• Conduct and share research on the latest trends and best practices to achieve performance objectives across various dimensions, including memory, CPU, GPU, power consumption, and launch times.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience developing performance‑critical software, with a solid understanding of systems architecture, modern frameworks and their performance characteristics for mobile applications.
• UI development for iOS, macOS, watchOS or other Native Platforms.
• Experience using various profiling tools, (e.g. Xcode Instruments, Android Studio Profiler, VTune, or other proprietary tools) to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks affecting the UI, CPU, GPU, memory, and system power.
• Proficiency in performance analysis, debugging, and code optimization techniques to enhance application and user interface performance.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team and thrive in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments.
• Effective communication of intricate performance analysis to diverse stakeholders, including actionable recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience optimizing performance across various domains on multiple platforms (e.g. iOS, Android, or Desktop).
• Knowledge of power management and battery‑life analysis techniques.
• Experience with Mac or iOS application development using Swift/Swift‑UI or Objective‑C.
• Experience with Metal or modern graphics APIs (DirectX, Vulkan).

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.

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.