Vulnerability Researcher

Apple Inc.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 172,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock programs

Medical benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Product discounts

Job summary

Apple Inc. Seattle-based Security Engineering & Architecture team pursues vulnerability research across iOS, macOS, firmware and hardware. You will analyze and exploit security issues to safeguard billions of devices, contributing to Apple’s security-first approach.

The role emphasizes deep technical skills, collaboration, and a passion for securing systems by identifying and demonstrating vulnerabilities across Apple products.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in vulnerability research and binary exploitation.
• Excellent understanding of vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques.
• Creative and effective problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct vulnerability research on Apple software, firmware and hardware components.
• Analyze and exploit vulnerabilities as part of security assessment.
• Collaborate with diverse teams and vendors to influence product security.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Binary exploitation

Exploitation techniques

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Reverse-engineering tools

C/C++

Swift

Objective-C

Job description

Seattle, Washington, United States Software and Services

Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is responsible for the security of all Apple products. Passionate about safeguarding our users, we believe that the best defense requires a great offense. When it comes to securing more than a billion devices running the world's most sophisticated operating systems, that means finding vulnerabilities first.Can you make a difference on this scale? Join our extraordinary team of security researchers and help protect all Apple users.

Description

Our team is dedicated to safeguarding Apple products, encompassing everything from the microarchitecture to applications like Safari, Mail, and Messages. Our responsibilities include evaluating the security of iOS and macOS (kernel and user-land), boot ROMs, firmware, and hardware. By collaborating with a diverse range of teams and vendors, your influence will be felt across Apple’s products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.As a team member, your primary role will involve conducting vulnerability research on Apple software, firmware, and hardware components. Analyzing and exploiting vulnerabilities is a crucial aspect of this position. This role demands individuals with robust technical skills and a genuine passion for securing systems by demonstrating their vulnerabilities.If you resonate with these qualities, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience in vulnerability research and binary exploitation
• Excellent understanding of common vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques
• Creative & effective problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of the security architecture of at least one complex operating system.
• Knowledge of macOS/iOS is nice-to-have, but not required.
• Experience with reverse-engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, etc.) and techniques
• Familiarity with tool development, using programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Swift, Objective-C

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 $142,300 and $263,300, 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.