Software Engineer - UI Rendering

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, CA, is seeking a Software Engineer with rendering expertise to join our UI Rendering team.

You will contribute to the core systems that manage how graphics are displayed across Apple devices and collaborate with HI designers, Metal, and GPU teams to unlock new visual experiences. You will implement and test Core Animation rendering features, optimize performance, and work across Unix-based codebases, building hands-on experience in diverse areas of UI Rendering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years of experience in software development.
• 1+ years of experience with real-time rendering and computer graphics.
• Ability to write code in C/C++ and develop complex software.
• Strong debugging and triaging skills for complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to core UI Rendering code across different areas of the team.
• Maintain and improve critical platform code.
• Debug and resolve UI Rendering issues across UI stack.
• Design, implement, and test Core Animation UI rendering features and compositing technologies.
• Collaborate with Metal graphics framework and GPU/Display teams to advance rendering capabilities.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Real-time rendering

Debugging multi-layered systems

Unix/Linux

Graphics performance analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

GenAI for development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Unix/Linux tools

Metal API

Vulkan

DirectX

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Apple's Compositing, Color, and Display Software organization provides the graphics software foundation for all of Apple's innovative products, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac and Apple Watch. Our goal is to enable developers and HI designers to create exceptional visual experiences by efficiently utilizing hardware acceleration and color technologies through compositing and display. The technologies we develop are central to enabling enhanced experiences across our platforms, including acceleration for Liquid Glass UI material and presenting HDR content with the highest quality.Are you passionate about building the rendering technologies that make interfaces feel alive? Do you get excited about solving complex graphics challenges to deliver beautiful, responsive experiences at scale? If creating world-class visual experiences through innovative rendering architecture energizes you, this is your opportunity.

Description

We are looking for a talented Software Engineer with rendering expertise to join our UI Rendering team.In this role, you will contribute directly to the core systems that manage how graphics are displayed across all Apple devices. You will join the UI Rendering team and gain exposure to diverse technical challenges across rendering configurations. You will work on core rendering features, platform and device-specific code. You will implement features, debug complex issues, and build hands-on experience across different areas of UI Rendering. You will collaborate with GPU driver teams, display teams and Metal framework engineers to understand how the pieces fit together. Our team values versatility, deep technical expertise and a proactive approach to problem solving. We work in complex Unix-based codebases, where autonomy, strong debugging skills and the willingness to dive deep into intricate system level code are essential. You will develop the ability to work across different technical areas, a valuable skill for your career growth.As part of the team, you will contribute to the Core Animation graphics compositing and rendering engine that powers visual experiences across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. You will implement and build the graphics technologies that bring our user interfaces to life, from foundational compositing systems to cutting-edge visual effects.Working at the heart of our graphics stack, you will bridge the gap between creative vision and technical reality. You will partner directly with HI designers to prototype and productize new visual concepts, collaborate with framework engineers to expose powerful rendering capabilities, and work alongside our Metal and GPU teams to unlock the full potential of Apple Silicon. From next-generation material systems to sophisticated animation techniques, you will help shape the visual foundation that defines how millions experience Apple products every day.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to core UI Rendering code across different areas of the team.
• Maintain and improve critical platform code
• Debug and resolve UI Rendering issues across UI stack
• Work with codebases across different Apple Platforms.
• Design, implement, and test Core Animation UI rendering features and compositing technologies across all Apple platforms
• Partner with HI designers and framework teams to enable new visual experiences and design language evolution
• Collaborate with Metal graphics framework and GPU and Display teams to leverage and influence platform capabilities for rendering innovation
• Make critical technical decisions balancing visual quality, implementation complexity, and platform constraints
• Develop tools and workflows that enable rapid iteration from design concept to production-ready rendering features
• Ensure rendering quality, correctness, and visual fidelity across diverse content and platform configurations
• Optimize rendering performance and power efficiency across Apple's diverse hardware ecosystem

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 3+ years experience in software development
• 1+ years experience with real-time rendering and computer graphics
• Ability to write code and develop complex software in C/C++
• Strong debugging and triaging skills for complex, multi-layered systems issues
• Solid understanding of computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms and operating system concepts
• Foundational understanding of Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, and CPU/GPU programming including memory subsystems
• Comfortable working in Unix/Linux environments and using command-line tools
• Curiosity and drive to tackle complex systems and new technologies
• Good problem solving skills and attention to detail
• Adaptability and interest in working across different technical areas
• Experience with graphics performance analysis and optimization techniques
• Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional teams on complex large-scale projects
• Ability to leverage GenAI to speed up development and increase quality

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Mac or iOS application development using Swift or Objective-C
• Hands-on experience with Metal or modern graphics APIs (Vulkan, DirectX)
• Experience with layer-based rendering systems or scene graph architectures
• Knowledge of color management, HDR, and wide color gamut workflows
• Experience with CPU/GPU synchronization and multi-threaded rendering architectures
• Experience with client/server or multi-process graphics architectures
• Familiarity with GPU profiling tools and performance optimization for mobile platforms
• Experience shipping consumer graphics products
• Experience with automated testing frameworks for graphics rendering

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 $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. 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.