Systems Software Engineering Manager, Vision Products Group

Apple Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 213,840 - 356,400; Full time

Job summary

Apple Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA, seeks a Systems Software Engineering Manager for the Vision Products Group.

You will lead a small team, guide cross‑device framework architecture, and drive performance‑critical multimedia and distributed computing initiatives across platforms. The role emphasizes technical leadership, hands‑on development, and mentoring to advance vision‑based experiences such as AI/ML workloads and real‑time media processing.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering with 2+ years of people management
• Proven experience building software frameworks and APIs at scale
• Strong knowledge of networking programming and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, QUIC)
• Experience in multimedia, AIML, or distributed systems; mobile/embedded development
• System-level programming, daemons, and multi-threaded software
• Proficient in object-oriented programming (Swift/C++ preferred)
• Data-driven architectural decisions and problem solving
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering talent
• BS or equivalent in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and mentor a small team of engineers
• Define and drive the architectural vision for frameworks and daemons enabling devices to connect and work together
• Spearhead technical strategy for cross‑device capabilities leveraging networking, multimedia, AIML, and distributed computing
• Lead architecture discussions and ensure delivery of high‑performance, optimized solutions
• Contribute technically by coding and setting a high bar for quality
• Champion new ideas and rapid prototyping to influence product roadmaps
• Provide technical guidance and career development to team members

Skills

Software frameworks

APIs at scale

Network programming

Network protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, QUIC)

Multimedia/AIML

Distributed systems

Mobile/embedded development

System-level programming

Swift / C++ (OOP)

Data-driven architectural decisions

Communication skills

Mentoring engineering talent

BS in CS/CE

Education

BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Job description

Systems Software Engineering Manager, Vision Products Group

Sunnyvale, California, United States Machine Learning and AI

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product or service we build 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. It’s 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.

The Software Architecture team within the Vision Products Group is composed of architects and system software experts who are building the foundational technologies for a diverse set of revolutionary experiences, including FaceTime, Spatial Personas, Mac Virtual Display, Siri, and more. Our charter involves the entire product lifecycle, from initial hardware ideation through final release, with a focus on developing the frameworks that power some of our most beloved features. We are seeking an exceptional engineering manager to lead the architecture and implementation of cross-device frameworks and APIs for our platforms. This leader will guide a small team of motivated engineers in enhancing the capabilities and performance of Vision products through the development of distributed systems and frameworks with a broad range of applications, including distributed AIML and real‑time multimedia processing and transport. If you’re excited by defining technical vision, mentoring exceptional talent, and building the foundations for new and ground‑breaking capabilities that will take our platforms to the next level, we’d love to hear from you.

Description

We are seeking a technical leader to spearhead the development of frameworks that enable a new class of networked services and applications that will define the future of connected experiences on our platforms. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical depth combined with proven experience leading engineering teams and defining system architecture. You will leverage your expertise in networking and systems programming to guide your team in crafting innovative approaches to multimedia streaming, distributed AI workloads, and computer vision based applications.

As an engineering manager, you will be responsible for setting the technical direction and architectural vision while building and mentoring a high‑performing team. In addition to strong network programming skills, we expect you to bring deep expertise in at least one of the following fields: real‑time media compression and transport, AIML, or distributed systems. This is a hands‑on role where you will lead your team in building solutions with performance as a primary consideration, carefully balancing system tradeoffs such as power consumption, latency, and computational efficiency, while ensuring maximum privacy, security, and exceptional user experience. In addition to technical leadership, this role requires strong people management skills to support the career growth and development of your team members. You will foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration while working closely with other teams throughout Apple.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and mentor a small team of motivated engineers
• Define and drive the architectural vision for frameworks and daemons that enable devices to connect and work together to enable a range of new experiences
• Spearhead technical strategy and planning for cross‑device capabilities leveraging networking, multimedia, AIML, and distributed computing
• Lead architecture discussions, make critical design decisions, and ensure delivery of highly optimized solutions in performance‑critical environments
• Develop software alongside your team members, leading by example and demonstrating a high bar for code quality and attention to detail
• Champion new ideas and guide the team in building rapid prototypes that influence product and feature roadmaps
• Provide technical guidance and career development to foster both individual and team growth

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of software engineering experience with 2+ years of direct people management
• Proven track record of developing software frameworks and APIs at scale
• Excellent working knowledge of network programming
• Strong understanding of network protocols and frameworks (e.g. TCP/IP, UDP, QUIC)
• Strong experience in multimedia, AIML, and/or distributed systems
• Track record of mobile device and embedded development
• Experience with system‑level programming, daemons, and multi‑threaded software
• Strong command of object‑oriented programming (Swift / C++ preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to make data‑driven architectural decisions and solve complex technical problems
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Experience mentoring and developing engineering talent
• BS or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of successful technical hiring and team building
• Experience with wireless connectivity standards and best practices
• Experience or interest in real‑time media transport (e.g. WebRTC)
• Experience developing for resource constrained systems
• Experience or interest in AR/VR applications
• Experience with iOS / macOS application development
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

The base pay range for this role is between $206,200 and $356,400, 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.