Software Engineer, Ad Platforms

Apple, Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Stock programs for employees

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple in Cupertino, California, is hiring for an Ads Engineering role focused on building scalable backend systems for Apple Ads across App Store, News, and MLS Season Pass. You’ll work on privacy-preserving, fast, large-scale services with a global reach, collaborating across product, data, and SRE teams to implement high-performance architectures and reliable APIs.

The role emphasizes strong CS fundamentals, OO languages (Java/C++), cloud proficiency (AWS/GCP), and experience with distributed

Qualifications

• Experience building scalable microservices or data-driven platforms via internships, co-ops, research, or large academic/personal projects.
• Strong CS fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design.
• Proficiency in at least one OO language (Java, C++, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of backend distributed systems and microservice design principles.
• Ability to build and integrate with REST APIs and public cloud technologies.
• Familiarity with cloud paradigms (AWS or GCP).
• Experience with relational and non-relational datastores.
• Experience with unit and integration tests for backend services.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Familiarity with AI developer tools to speed development and improve code quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for teamwork.
• Eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Build the foundational pieces of the next generation of Apple Ad’s systems.
• Implement low latency, highly-available, high-volume internal and external facing services in a cloud environment.
• Design and implement performant services with scalable design principles for rapid growth.
• Collaborate with Product Management, Data, SRE, and other teams to support various Ads use cases.

Skills

Scalable microservices

Backend distributed systems

Java or C++

REST APIs

Cloud experience (AWS/GCP)

Datastores (SQL/NoSQL)

Automated testing

AI tools familiarity

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

Kafka

Spark

Flink

LLMs integration

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

At Apple, we focus deeply on our customers’ experience. Apple Ads brings this same approach to advertising, helping people find exactly what they’re looking for and helping advertisers grow their businesses. Our technology powers ads and sponsorships across Apple Services, including the App Store, Apple News, and MLS Season Pass. Everything we do is designed for trust, connection, and impact: We respect user privacy, integrate advertising thoughtfully into the experience, and deliver value for advertisers of all sizes—from small app developers to big, global brands. Because when advertising is done right, it benefits everyone.

Description

Ads Engineering builds ad tech the Apple way—privacy-preserving, user-centric, and built to scale. Our infrastructure supports massive real-time demand with low latency, precision, and global reach. Our work spans distributed systems, large-scale data infrastructure, LLMs, and Generative AI. We design and build best of breed systems for dealing with our complex and ever-growing platform needs that help deliver highly optimized advertising content to consumers.

Responsibilities

• Build the foundational pieces of the next generation of Apple Ad’s systems
• Implement low latency, highly - available, high volume internal and external facing services in a cloud environment.
• Design and implement performant services created with the right principles to support rapid growth with minimal operational overheads
• Collaborate with cross functional teams including Product Management, Data, SRE, etc. to design and implement systems that can handle a variety of Ads use cases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience building scalable microservices or data-driven platforms through internships, co-ops, research, or large academic or personal projects
• Strong computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented design
• Strong proficiency in at least one object-oriented programming language (e.g., Java, C++, or equivalent)
• Solid understanding of backend distributed systems and microservice design principles
• Ability to build and integrate with REST APIs and public cloud technologies and APIs
• Familiarity with cloud paradigms (e.g., AWS or GCP)
• Working knowledge of relational and non-relational datastores
• Working knowledge of basic performance tuning techniques for high-scale services
• Experience writing automated unit and integration tests for backend services
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
• Familiarity with or strong interest in using AI developer tools (e.g., AI coding assistants, automated code generation) to speed up development and improve code quality
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for team collaboration
• Eager to learn in a fast-paced environment and contribute to team projects
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in Java
• Familiarity with data processing technologies (e.g., Kafka, Spark, Flink)
• Experience integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) or building AI-driven backend services
• Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field
• Interest in or prior exposure to the advertising industry is a plus

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 $129,300 and $194,700, 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.