Software Engineer - VE

Apple Inc.; Cupertino, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Discounted products and free services

Educational expenses reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino seeks a Software Engineer focused on data applications, data pipelines, and database systems.

You will build data tools that scale, ingest and analyze large video and sensor datasets, and collaborate with algorithms, ML, and user studies teams. The role emphasizes hands-on development, reliability and performance, with on-site work in Cupertino and opportunities to explore AI/LLM tools to boost productivity.

Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience.
• 2+ years of Python
• 2+ years of experience designing and developing data pipelines or data applications.
• 1+ years of experience with a major cloud platform (e.g., AWS, or equivalent internal platforms).
• Strong proficiency with Git, REST APIs, SQL, and NoSQL databases.
• Experience with data modeling, schema design, and database performance optimization.
• Familiarity with software design patterns and system design principles (e.g., scalability, reliability, modularity, separation of concerns).
• Proficiency in prompt engineering and AI-assisted development workflows, with experience going beyond simple code suggestions to tackle complex debugging, architectural trade-offs, or automation tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop data applications and internal tools that enable teams to efficiently access, query, and analyze large-scale video and sensor datasets.
• Build scalable data pipelines that handle high-volume video and sensor data from ingestion to storage to downstream algorithm teams.
• Architect and maintain database systems (SQL and NoSQL) optimized for high-throughput data workloads, metadata management, and analytics.
• Integrate with Apple internal services and APIs, including internal identity systems, CI/CD platforms, and data management services.
• Collaborate closely with algorithm, machine learning, and user study teams to ensure data quality, coverage, and timely delivery against aggressive testing timelines.
• Own and evolve your domain, from initial design through deployment, with full accountability for reliability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Explore and adopt emerging tools including AI/LLM to continuously improve development velocity and operational efficiency.
• This role is primarily on-site in Cupertino, as it involves close collaboration with lab teams, Apple devices, and in-person user study participants.

Skills

Python

Data pipelines

Data applications

SQL

NoSQL

Git

REST APIs

System design

AI/ML familiarity

Prompt engineering

Education

BS in CS or related

Tools

Spark

Airflow

Kafka

AWS

SQL databases

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

The people here at Apple don't just create products, they create the kind of wonder that's revolutionized entire industries. It's the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple and help us leave the world better than we found it.The Video Engineering group is looking for a Software Engineer with a strong emphasis on data application development, data pipeline engineering, and database systems. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role at the intersection of software, data, and machine learning, where the work you build directly impacts the quality of next-generation Apple products.

Description

Our team sits at a critical intersection, bridging Algorithm, Quality Assurance, and User Studies teams to drive innovation in video engineering. We build the data applications, pipelines, and database systems that power how Apple collects, manages, and processes data at scale.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop data applications and internal tools that enable teams to efficiently access, query, and analyze large-scale video and sensor datasets
• Build scalable data pipelines that handle high-volume video and sensor data from ingestion to storage to downstream algorithm teams
• Architect and maintain database systems (SQL and NoSQL) optimized for high-throughput data workloads, metadata management, and analytics
• Integrate with Apple internal services and APIs, including internal identity systems, CI/CD platforms, and data management services
• Collaborate closely with algorithm, machine learning, and user study teams to ensure data quality, coverage, and timely delivery against aggressive testing timelines
• Own and evolve your domain, from initial design through deployment, with full accountability for reliability, scalability, and maintainability
• Explore and adopt emerging tools including AI/LLM to continuously improve development velocity and operational efficiency
• This role is primarily on-site in Cupertino, as it involves close collaboration with lab teams, Apple devices, and in-person user study participants.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience
• 2+ years of Python
• 2+ years of experience designing and developing data pipelines or data applications
• 1+ years of experience with a major cloud platform (e.g., AWS, or equivalent internal platforms)
• Strong proficiency with Git, REST APIs, SQL, and NoSQL databases
• Experience with data modeling, schema design, and database performance optimization
• Familiarity with software design patterns and system design principles (e.g., scalability, reliability, modularity, separation of concerns)
• Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle and engineering best practices
• Proficiency in prompt engineering and AI-assisted development workflows, with experience going beyond simple code suggestions to tackle complex debugging, architectural trade-offs, or automation tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with distributed data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Airflow, Kafka, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with data warehousing, ETL/ELT patterns, and large-scale analytics workflows
• Experience designing end-to-end systems, including making trade-offs around performance, cost, and maintainability
• Comfortable working in fast-moving, ambiguous environments with shifting priorities and tight timelines
• Strong curiosity and drive to explore new technologies, including AI/LLM tools, to improve workflows and solve novel problems
• Experience building internal tooling or lightweight web interfaces (e.g., React, Flask, FastAPI) as a complement to backend/data work
• Good verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• A builder mentality: you take ownership, move fast, and care about the quality of what you ship

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
• 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.