Systems & Kernel Software Engineer, SEAR

Apple Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,400 - 277,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Stock programs

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Apple is seeking a Systems & Kernel Software Engineer in SPEAR to strengthen the security of Apple devices at the lower layers of the stack. You will design defenses, ramp up on partner codebases, and implement the plan in production-grade C/C++/Swift.

In a small team, you will balance security with performance and reliability, write low-level code, and contribute to documentation and training to sustain changes across devices.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in C and one or more systems languages (C, C++, Rust, Zig, or Swift).
• Experience writing low-level software (kernels, drivers, firmware, bootloaders, hypervisors, or runtimes).
• Understanding of how low-level code is compiled to machine code and interacts with hardware.
• Experience with, or an interest in, software security.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design the hardening approach for a given codebase, from surgical adoptions of memory safety technologies to broad refactors that reorient key system components.
• Ramp quickly on unfamiliar codebases and write production-quality low-level code in C, C++, or Swift.
• Balance security goals against performance, memory footprint, compatibility and reliability for devices.
• Test thoroughly, debug carefully, and partner with QA on end-to-end validation.
• Use modern tooling, including LLMs, to move faster while applying deep security engineering.
• Create documentation and training materials for the partner team.

Skills

C/C++ expertise

Rust

Swift

Low-level software

Security mindset

Strong communication

Education

BS in Computer Science

Job description

Systems & Kernel Software Engineer, SEAR

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

The SPEAR Systems & Kernel team in Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is hiring a collaborative systems engineer with a drive to improve the security of end user devices. We take on software engineering projects to make progress on Apple's most pressing security challenges, anywhere in the lower layers of the stack: bootloaders, drivers, firmware, and the kernel. Our goal is to eliminate whole classes of software vulnerabilities, securing our systems against even the most advanced and well-resourced adversaries. We've done wholesale rewrites of codebases into memory safe languages, deployed static and dynamic analysis to prevent bugs, and undertaken bespoke rearchitecture of critical codebases. We continue to refine our approach to best protect our users against rapidly evolving threats.

Description

As a Systems & Kernel Software Engineer in SPEAR, you will partner with teams across the lower layers of the software stack to design security defenses that meaningfully improve the security of Apple devices. Working in a small team of SPEAR engineers, you will collaborate on a design that upholds a high security standard without compromising on system performance or user experience. Then, you will go hands‑on. You and your team will ramp up on the partner team's codebase and implement the design.

A day on the job might involve:

• Designing the hardening approach for a given codebase, from surgical adoptions of memory safety technologies, to mitigation deployment, to broad refactors that reorient key system components.
• Ramping quickly on unfamiliar codebases and writing production‑quality low‑level code in C, C++, or Swift.
• Balancing security goals against the realities of working on code that ships to hundreds of millions of devices: performance, memory footprint, compatibility, and reliability.
• Testing thoroughly, debugging carefully, and partnering with QA on end‑to‑end validation.
• Using modern tooling, including LLMs, where it helps us move faster, while applying the systems and security depth needed to evaluate what those tools produce.
• Creating the documentation and training materials the partner team needs to maintain and build on the changes.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of C and expertise in one or more systems programming languages (C, C++, Rust, Zig, or Swift).
• Experience writing low‑level software, such as kernels, drivers, firmware, bootloaders, hypervisors, or runtimes.
• Understanding of how low‑level code is compiled to machine code and interacts with hardware.
• Experience with, or an interest in, software security.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of the security properties of common systems languages.
• Understanding of common vulnerability exploitation and mitigation techniques.
• Experience designing, implementing, or evaluating software security mitigations.
• Deep expertise in C programming.
• Experience using LLMs to accelerate security engineering.
• Experience with compiler security features, static analysis, or fuzzing.
• Contributions to open‑source systems or security projects.

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.