Systems Software Engineer, Intelligence Orchestration, Proactive Intelligence

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 services

Education expense reimbursement

Discretionary bonuses or commissions

Relocation

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, is seeking a software engineer to own the development of daemons and frameworks powering on-device intelligence across iOS, macOS, and other Apple platforms.

You will work alongside ML and app engineers to manage model inference, routing to private cloud compute, and scheduling document processing for search while ensuring performance in resource-constrained environments.

Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in C/Objective-C/Swift.
• Knowledge of operating system architecture and systems programming fundamentals.
• Experience developing daemons, libraries, or CLI tools on Unix/Linux.
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain daemons and frameworks that support on-device intelligence features across Apple platforms.
• Manage models for on-device inference and coordinate routing to private cloud compute.
• Schedule and optimize document processing workloads to power search experiences.
• Develop and improve unit tests and performance tests; diagnose and resolve customer-reported issues.
• Provide design guidance and technical expertise to partner engineering teams across the company.

Skills

C

Objective-C

Swift

OS architecture

Systems programming

Unix/Linux tools

ML concepts

Analytical debugging

Job description

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

The Intelligence Orchestration team sits at the heart of Apple Intelligence, Siri, and the intelligence-powered experiences that define Apple devices for millions of people every day. We build the systems infrastructure — daemons, frameworks, and platform services — that makes on-device intelligence possible across iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and private cloud compute. Our contributions span some of Apple's most recognizable features: Writing Tools, Spotlight Search, Smart Replies, Message Summarization, Live Translations, and Image Playground. You will work alongside machine learning and app engineers to ensure these experiences run seamlessly, even in the most resource-constrained environments.

Description

You will own the development of daemons and frameworks that power Apple Intelligence, Siri, and related intelligence features — spanning model management for on-device inference, routing to private cloud compute, scheduling document processing for search, and on-device reporting for intelligence workloads. You will contribute across the full software development lifecycle, from feature design and implementation to testing, maintenance, and resolving customer-reported issues. Beyond individual projects, you will provide design guidance and technical expertise to engineering teams across Apple.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain daemons and frameworks that support on-device intelligence features across Apple platforms
• Manage models for on-device inference and coordinate routing to private cloud compute
• Schedule and optimize document processing workloads to power search experiences
• Develop and improve unit tests and performance tests; diagnose and resolve customer-reported issues
• Provide design guidance and technical expertise to partner engineering teams across the company

Minimum Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in C, Objective-C, or Swift
• Knowledge of operating system architecture and systems programming fundamentals
• Experience developing daemons, libraries, or command-line tools on a Unix or Linux platform
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts
• Analytical and debugging skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying machine learning concepts in a systems engineering context
• Development experience on macOS or iOS
• Experience with agentic coding tools or AI-assisted development workflows
• Ability to analyze and solve systems problems
• Ability to deliver work on schedule in a dynamic environment

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
• Discretionary bonuses or commission payments
• Relocation

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.