Sr. Software Engineering Manager, UI Rendering

Apple Inc.; Cupertino, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 268,000 - 402,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking a Sr. Software Engineering Manager to lead the UI Rendering team in Cupertino.

You will drive Core Animation rendering features, work with HI designers and framework teams to create new visual experiences, and collaborate with Metal and GPU groups to unlock Apple Silicon capabilities. The role combines deep rendering expertise with strong leadership to shape the visual foundation across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software development or leadership experience in graphics/rendering
• Strong background in real-time rendering and computer graphics
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive complex projects

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the UI Rendering team to deliver world-class graphics compositing and rendering technologies across all Apple platforms
• Drive the architecture, design, and implementation of Core Animation UI rendering features and compositing technologies
• 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
• Manage the development of tools and workflows for rapid iteration from design to production-ready rendering features
• Ensure rendering quality, correctness, and visual fidelity across content and configurations
• Influence long-term technical strategy and hardware/software roadmaps for future rendering capabilities

Skills

C/C++ programming

Real-time rendering

GPU programming

Shader development

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Debugging complex systems

Graphics performance analysis

Operating systems concepts

Team mentoring

Education

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

Tools

Metal API

GPU tooling

Job description

Sr. Software Engineering Manager, UI Rendering

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. Its the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something. 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're looking for a talented software manager with both deep rendering expertise and proven leadership capabilities to lead our UI Rendering team. In this role, you'll drive key aspects of the Core Animation graphics compositing and rendering engine that powers visual experiences across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. You'll lead the team in architecting and building 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'll bridge the gap between creative vision and technical reality. You and your team 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'll shape the visual foundation that defines how millions experience Apple products every day.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the UI Rendering team to deliver world-class graphics compositing and rendering technologies across all Apple platforms
• Drive the architecture, design, and implementation of Core Animation UI rendering features and compositing technologies
• 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
• Manage the development of 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
• Influence long-term technical strategy and hardware/software roadmaps to enable future rendering capabilities and visual experiences

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience working in or leading software development, including software release management and integration processes
• Proven track record managing high-performing technical teams with deep expertise, driving outcomes through pro-active management across large cross-functional initiatives
• Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional teams (e.g., design and product teams) to translate vision and specifications into technical implementation
• Demonstrated ability defining, planning and executing complex large-scale projects involving multiple teams
• Hands-on experience with real-time rendering and computer graphics
• Experience with shader development and GPU programming
• Foundational understanding of Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, and CPU/GPU programming
• Strong debugging and triaging skills for complex, multi-layered systems issues
• Experience with graphics performance analysis and optimization techniques
• Strong background in C/C++ programming
• Proven ability to define processes and drive automation to increase productivity
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly and apply them effectively
• Bachelor's or Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Metal and modern graphics APIs
• Knowledge of advanced rendering techniques (physically-based rendering, real-time effects, compositing algorithms)
• Experience with Mac or iOS application development using Swift or Objective-C
• Familiarity with color management, HDR, and wide color gamut workflows
• Knowledge of visual quality assessment and rendering correctness validation
• Understanding of performance optimization and power efficiency considerations for graphics
• Experience shipping consumer graphics products at scale and working across hardware and software
• Track record of influencing technical strategy and making data-driven recommendations
• 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 $267,800 and $401,700, 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.