Software Development Engineer in Test - Video Codec

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stock programs

Discounted Apple products

Education reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test for video codecs. You will design and implement test strategies for video processing across iOS/macOS/watchOS platforms, focusing on encoding/decoding, editing, and ML-based workflows.

You will code in C/C++, Objective-C/Swift, Python, and Shell, build test harnesses, automate quality evaluations, triage failures, and partner with R&D to deliver the highest quality video experiences.

Qualifications

• Test design and development for video processing frameworks and low-level codec software across iOS/macOS/tvOS/visionOS.
• Design test cases and architect test harnesses; automate quality evaluation pipelines.
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD practices and debugging in complex software systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement test strategies for video codecs and processing pipelines.
• Develop tests in C/C++, Objective-C/Swift, Python, and Shell scripting.
• Build and maintain test harnesses and automated validation tools.
• Collaborate with R&D engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality video experiences.

Skills

C/C++

Objective-C/Swift

Python

LLM workflows

CI/CD

Education

BS in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

XCTest

PyTest

Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test - Video Codec

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

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. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something. Video Engineering is seeking a strong, experienced, self-motivated Software Development Engineer in Test with a passion for making all Apple product experience the best it can be. You will be working on the latest Apple products, ensuring that the video experience is the best in the world!

Description

In this role, your main responsibility will be test design and development for video processing frameworks and low-level software of video codecs, covering both functionality verification and quality measurement across all iOS/macOS/tvOS/visionOS platforms. The work targets image & video encoding/decoding, editing/post-processing, and machine learning based technologies.

Your daily tasks will include developing software and tools to validate algorithms and code changes of projects, designing test cases, and architecting test harnesses. You will implement tests in C/C++, Objective-C, Swift, and Python/Shell scripting using test frameworks. Additionally, you will automate workflows in testing and quality evaluation pipelines, triage and root-cause failures, and drive early test strategy and planning. You will also build LLM-based tools and agentic workflows that extend what these pipelines can automate at scale.

You will partner with R&D engineering teams and both internal and external cross-functional partners to ensure image and video frameworks/firmware/drivers deliver the highest quality video experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
• 6+ years programming experience in C/C++, Objective-C/Swift, and Python
• Hands-on experience using LLMs in software development, including building workflows with AI/LLM-based tools
• Experience in test case development and software testing methodologies
• Understanding of software engineering concepts with hands-on experience practicing CI/CD in software development

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of software engineering and development lifecycles
• Experience in building LLM-powered tooling — including prompt engineering, agent design, tool/API integration, and MCP-based integrations
• Experience in test development using frameworks such as XCTest or PyTest
• Experience with white-box / grey-box testing, API testing, mutation testing, static testing, or code coverage analysis
• Experience in image or video quality evaluation or model benchmarking and quality metrics
• Understanding of image or video codecs (e.g. AVC, HEVC, VP9, AV1) and video processing pipelines
• Excellent problem solving and debugging skills
• Great communication and negotiation skills, able to collaborate and work as a team
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated, and able to work independently and drive projects to closure in a timely manner

Compensation and Benefits

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.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• A range of discounted products and free services.
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition.
• This role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

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.