Senior Real-Time Rendering and Graphics Software Engineer

Apple Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 171,600 - 302,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Educational reimbursement

Discounted products

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Senior Real-Time Rendering and Graphics Software Engineer in Seattle, Washington, to enhance the graphics engine for Apple Maps. You will work with a talented team to render 3D environments beautifully and efficiently, impacting millions of users worldwide.

This role requires expertise in C++ and modern graphics techniques, along with a passion for developing innovative rendering solutions. Competitive compensation and benefits, including educational reimbursement and health coverage, are offered.

Qualifications

• 5 years of hands-on experience in building real-time 3D rendering applications.
• Ability to write safe and performant C++ code.
• Experience with modern graphics APIs and shading languages.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement Maps rendering features across Apple platforms.
• Optimize rendering performance and power efficiency.
• Collaborate with various teams on graphics innovations.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Real-time 3D rendering

GPU APIs knowledge

3D geometry understanding

Debugging skills

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS in relevant field

Tools

Performance optimization tools

Job description

Senior Real-Time Rendering and Graphics Software Engineer

Seattle, Washington, United States Software and Services

Apple Maps offers a constantly evolving and increasingly detailed 3D world, and our team renders every frame of it. We develop the graphics engine that powers the mapping and navigation experiences across Apple's entire device ecosystem, from Watch to Vision Pro, as well as the Web. We're looking for a Senior Graphics Software Engineer who is excited by the challenge of rendering our planet beautifully and performantly in real time.

Description

We are the Map Display team, and every day our work is used by hundreds of millions of people to explore and navigate the world. We own the 3D visual experience inside Apple Maps and the graphics engine that fuels a thriving ecosystem of first‑ and third‑party applications. You'll work at the intersection of art and engineering, developing novel algorithms, pushing rendering techniques forward, and collaborating with world‑class designers and cartographers to make every pixel perfect. Whether it's the 3D imagery and splats of Yosemite National Park, the historical landmarks of Rome, the streets of Paris, or the transit systems of Tokyo, you'll have a hand in how people interact with our world.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement Maps rendering features and technologies across all Apple platforms
• Optimize rendering performance and power efficiency across our diverse hardware ecosystem
• Collaborate with Metal, GPU, and Power teams to leverage and influence Apple’s graphics innovations
• Help drive long‑term technical strategy and roadmaps for future rendering and Maps experiences
• Contribute to critical decisions balancing visual quality, implementation complexity, and platform constraints
• Partner with HI and Cartography teams to design new visual experiences
• Uphold and evolve team culture through architecture and code reviews, mentorship, and leadership by example

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS plus 5 years of hands‑on experience building real‑time 3D rendering applications
• Mastery of writing C++ that is safe, performant, readable, and built to last
• Deep understanding of the graphics pipeline, modern rendering techniques, and image processing
• Fluency with one or more modern graphics APIs (e.g., Metal, Vulkan, Direct3D 12, WebGPU) and shading languages (e.g., MSL, HLSL, GLSL, WGSL)
• Sharp instincts for 3D geometry and linear algebra
• Experience with multi‑threaded rendering architectures
• Methodical debugging mindset and tenacious problem‑solving instincts
• Communication skills to make complex ideas clear to leadership and the collaboration skills to focus teams’ efforts
• Deep ownership of the features you ship

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of shipping interactive 3D engines at scale for mobile platforms such as iOS, Android, or Linux
• Experience navigating the entire lifecycle of software development, from whiteboarding designs to shipping quality, optimized code
• Proficiency with GPU profiling tools and performance optimization for mobile platforms
• Familiarity with AR/VR rendering technologies and the unique challenges of immersive environments

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base pay range for this role is between $171,600 and $302,200, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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.

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—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.