Software Engineer - Camera

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,400 - 277,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Employee stock purchase plan

Stock options

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA, is seeking an embedded software engineer to design and implement low‑level drivers and system software for ISP pipelines on Apple SoCs. You will work across firmware, kernel, and user space, partnering with Silicon Design, Camera Hardware, and QA to deliver reliable imaging features.

The role requires C/C++ expertise and real‑time embedded experience, with a focus on performance, reliability, and maintainability in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.

Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience in embedded or systems software development.
• Proficiency in C and C++.
• Proficiency in developing real‑time software in embedded environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement low‑level drivers and system software for ISP pipelines in embedded environments.
• Develop camera features across the full software stack—from user-space to kernel drivers to firmware.
• Collaborate with Silicon Design, Camera Hardware, Media Frameworks, and QA teams to define requirements.
• Develop system software for secure sensor subsystems powering features like Face ID and Optic ID.
• Support hardware validation, factory testing, and manufacturing diagnostics to ensure quality at scale.

Skills

C

C++

Real-time software

Embedded systems

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

macOS kernel development

Camera ISP pipelines

Embedded toolchains

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Apple's Camera ISP team is looking for a passionate and skilled embedded software engineer to help shape the future of imaging across all Apple products. In this role, you'll work at the intersection of hardware and software — building the low‑level systems that power extraordinary camera experiences in iPhone, iPad, Mac, and beyond. You'll be part of a close‑knit, collaborative team that values innovation, rapid iteration, and technical excellence. We give our engineers meaningful ownership and autonomy, with direct impact on how Apple designs, tests, and manufactures its most beloved products. Our team fosters an environment of cross‑functional collaboration, where your contributions influence decisions at both the team and product level.

Description

This role involves developing camera software across many layers, including firmware, kernel, and user space. You will be responsible for helping to design, implement, maintain, and test new camera and ISP features across all Apple products. This is a highly cross‑functional product development role. You'll collaborate closely with Silicon Design, Camera Hardware, Media Frameworks, and QA teams — translating complex requirements into robust, high‑quality implementations. The environment is multifaceted and fast‑paced, and we're looking for someone who is self‑directed, adaptable, and passionate about craftsmanship in software — with an eye toward reliability, performance, and maintainability.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement low‑level drivers and system software for sophisticated image signal processing (ISP) pipelines in embedded environments, targeting Apple's latest SoCs and chipsets.
• Develop camera features across the full software stack — from user‑space frameworks and kernel drivers to firmware — for Apple products.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to define features, communication protocols, and implementation specifications, with clearly documented requirements.
• Develop system software for secure sensor subsystems powering features like Face ID and Optic ID.
• Support hardware validation, factory testing, and manufacturing diagnostics to ensure product quality at scale.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
• 3+ years of relevant industry experience in embedded or systems software development.
• Proficiency in C and C++.
• Proficiency in developing real‑time software in embedded environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in low‑level software development, including hardware‑software integration and debugging.
• Familiarity with image signal processing (ISP) pipelines or camera systems.
• Experience with macOS or iOS driver and kernel‑level development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex technical concepts clearly across teams.
• Self‑directed and adaptable — comfortable navigating ambiguity in a dynamic, fast‑paced product environment.

Compensation and Benefits

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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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. This role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Benefits include comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Apple’s benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Accessibility

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.