Software Engineer - Darwin Runtime

Lensa; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company is seeking a passionate Software Engineer for its Darwin Runtime team. You'll work on innovative low-level system technologies that serve as the foundation for Apples' operating systems. This role offers significant autonomy, involvement in design discussions, and the opportunity to drive technical innovation.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Employee stock purchase plans

Educational expenses reimbursement

Discounted products and free services

Qualifications

• Fluency in C programming and experience with UNIX-like systems is essential.
• Strong system design and architecture skills required.
• Excellent collaborative skills to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement new features for Darwin Runtime technologies.
• Participate in all phases of software development cycle.
• Work with cross-functional teams to meet developer requirements.

Skills

Passion for low-level system technologies

Fluency in the C programming language

Experience with UNIX-like systems

System design and architecture skills

Strong understanding of operating system fundamentals

Excellent collaborative skills

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent knowledge

Tools

lldb

gdb

Job description

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Lensa is the leading career site for job seekers at every stage of their career. Our client, Apple, is seeking professionals in Cupertino, CA. Apply via Lensa today!

Software Engineer - Darwin Runtime

Cupertino, California, United States

Software and Services

Summary

Posted: May 14, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number: 200557135

The Darwin Runtime team in Core OS is looking for enthusiastic engineers interested in developing low-level system technologies for Apple’s operating systems. Darwin is the UNIX-like foundation at the heart of all Apple’s operating systems, stretching from the kernel up through low-level user components. The Darwin Runtime team is responsible for building the low-level user space runtime technologies like Grand Central Dispatch (GCD), inter-process communication systems, memory allocator, threading library, and concurrency and synchronization primitives. Other than being the foundation for iOS and macOS frameworks and applications, these technologies are deeply integrated into the Swift programming language to guarantee robust and high performant primitives built from the ground up.

The ideal candidate should be self-motivated and effective in operating independently, with a desire to learn and develop technical leadership. Team members are welcome and encouraged to participate in design discussions, code reviews, and development across multiple technologies. Our environment fosters technical innovation, meaningful technology ownership, and a liberating amount of autonomy!

Description

You will be responsible for working on a range of technologies that form the foundation of Apple’s operating systems. The work would include projects such as:

Design and implement new features and APIs for Darwin Runtime technologies like GCD, XPC, pthread, and malloc Analyze Apple’s operating systems to understand the structure of the software and use that knowledge to make deep changes across the entire stack Architect high-security environments to improve customer security and privacy Work with Swift language team to design and develop features to provide operating systems integration An engineer in the Darwin Runtime team would regularly: Participate in all phases of software development cycle: from problem definition and design, through implementation, testing, and debugging Diagnose and resolve issues across different layers of the stack Work with cross functional teams to enable developer and product requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Passion for low-level system technologies
• Fluency in the C programming language
• Experience with UNIX-like systems
• System design and architecture skills
• Strong understanding of operating system fundamentals like threading, synchronization primitives, inter-process communication, scheduling, and virtual memory
• Excellent collaborative skills, with the ability to work with a team to design system architecture
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of operating system implementation, hardware architecture and assembly programming
• Knowledge of Swift or Objective-C
• Skilled at interface and/or API design
• Experience with lldb or gdb
• Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as Darwin, FreeBSD, Linux, etc.
• BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent knowledge and experience
  
  

Pay & 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 $143,100 and $264,200, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  IT Services and IT Consulting

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