Software Localization Project Manager at Apple Cupertino, CA

Apple; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 141,800 - 258,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Apple seeks a Software Localization Project Manager in Cupertino, California, to manage localization workflows for multilingual software and AI features. This role demands strong problem-solving skills and the capacity to navigate ambiguity within a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in technical project management and a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities include overseeing localization processes, collaborating with engineering and design teams, and ensuring compliance with cultural and technical standards. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and potential relocation incentives.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience managing technical projects in software or localization environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-velocity environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end localization workflows for software and AI-driven content.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams for project scope and milestone tracking.
• Identify and mitigate localization risks, ensuring cultural and technical compliance.

Skills

Project management

Localization

Technical communication

Problem-solving

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Software Localization Project Manager – Cupertino, California, United States (Software and Services). Role Number: 200598182. Posted: Jun 06, 2025. Weekly hours: 40.

Summary

Apple's Software Engineering (SWE) organization is seeking a Software Localization Project Manager to help deliver world‑class localized and internationalized experiences across Apple products, including Apple Intelligence. This role will lead complex localization workflows for multilingual software and AI‑driven features across more than 50 languages, working closely with cross‑functional partners in engineering, modeling, design, QA, and translation teams to overcome unique localization challenges. Strong problem‑solving skills, independence, and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast‑paced environment are required.

Description

• Manage end‑to‑end localization workflows for traditional software and AI‑powered content, ensuring timely delivery and high quality across global markets.
• Collaborate with engineering, ML modeling, design, QA, and localization teams to define scope, develop detailed project plans, and track progress against milestones.
• Identify and proactively mitigate localization and internationalization (l10n/i18n) risks, including linguistic accuracy, cultural relevance, technical compatibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Advocate for global readiness by championing internationalization best practices during the software development lifecycle.
• Optimize and scale multilingual workflows through process improvement, automation, and tooling.
• Facilitate effective communication across distributed teams: gather requirements, lead reviews, and provide regular updates on goals, priorities, progress, and blockers.
• Proactively identify i18n issues in new and existing features and collaborate with product and engineering teams to address them early in development.
• Drive projects independently, making sound decisions and solving complex problems even when information is incomplete or ambiguous.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience managing technical projects in a software, localization, or AI‑focused environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience working with engineering teams during software development lifecycles.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and thrive in a dynamic, high‑velocity environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technical concepts quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software project or localization program management, ideally with global product launches.
• Experience leading complex, multi‑stakeholder projects using both Agile and traditional methodologies.
• Prior work with geographically distributed or international teams.
• Familiarity with machine learning, AI datasets, and annotation or model training workflows.
• Proven track record of working independently and navigating ambiguity effectively.
• Understanding of internationalization standards and practices (e.g., Unicode, CLDR).
• Fluency in a second language and/or demonstrated interest in global user experience and cultural nuance.

Pay & Benefits

Base pay is within a range of $141,800 to $258,600, depending on experience, location, and skills. Apple employees may also become shareholders through discretionary stock programs, purchase stock at a discount via the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and receive bonuses or commissions. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans; a range of discounted products and free services; and tuition reimbursement for formal education related to career advancement. Relocation incentives may be available.

Equal Opportunity & Legal

Apple is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity. All applicants receive equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about compensation. Apple participates in E‑Verify where required and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Apple does not administer lie detector tests in Massachusetts and complies with applicable laws. Apple is a drug‑free workplace.