Apple

Core Services Media API Engineering Manager - Platforms Team

Apple$150K — $200K *
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Computer Science
  • 10+ years in a related field, with 5+ years managing engineering teams
  • Experience engaging senior technical leaders like Directors and VPs
  • Ability to navigate complex technical negotiations
  • Expertise in scalable web services and globally distributed systems
  • Proficient with NoSQL databases (e.g., Solr, Redis, Cassandra)
  • Hands-on experience with Java and functional languages (Scala, Clojure)
  • Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of data structures and algorithms

Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering team responsible for Apple Services Engineering
  • Develop new product features and platform capabilities
  • Drive engineering solutions for a globally distributed API
  • Shape data modeling strategies for scalability
  • Oversee caching and content systems for reliability and performance
  • Partner with Product Management to influence product direction
  • Advocate for technical solutions in cross-functional negotiations

Benefits

  • Collaborative working environment
  • Opportunities for professional growth
  • Engagement with advanced technologies
  • Access to cross-functional leadership exposure
  • Chance to shape critical engineering strategies
Full Job Description
Description

In this role, you will lead the engineering team responsible for services that are central to all of Apple Services Engineering, developing new product features and platform capabilities. Your team's scope spans key customer-facing platforms including User Ratings and Reviews, the API gateway and broader platform infrastructure that Apple services and business verticals depend on. You will drive engineering solutions to enhance a globally distributed API, work with NoSQL data stores to push the boundaries of the CAP theorem, and shape data modeling strategies that keep our systems horizontally scalable as they grow. You will also oversee caching and content liveness systems that are foundational to the reliability and performance of Apple's services at scale.

This is not just a technical leadership role, it is a strategic one. You will serve as a strategic partner to Product Management and senior leadership alike, shaping product direction, roadmap prioritization, and long-term engineering investments in equal measure. You will translate product requirements into actionable engineering decisions while ensuring engineering perspectives are embedded throughout the development lifecycle. Partnering closely with Directors and VPs, you'll navigate complex cross-functional negotiations, advocate for the right technical solutions, and champion the platform and infrastructure work that often gets squeezed by business priorities - making the case for foundational investments and protecting the runway your team needs to keep systems healthy and scalable.

Minimum Qualifications

BS or MS in Computer Science, 10+ years of experience in a related field, with 5+ years building and managing engineering teams central to product and platform development.

Demonstrated experience engaging and influencing senior technical leadership, including Directors and VPs.

Proven ability to navigate complex cross-team technical negotiations and drive alignment on architectural and implementation decisions.

Track record of strategic planning, balancing business-driven feature work with critical infrastructure investments and making those trade-offs clearly and consistently.

Expertise in scalable web services, globally distributed systems, and multi-functional feature delivery.

Expertise with NoSQL data stores such as Solr, Redis, Memcached, Cassandra, Voldemort, or similar.

Hands-on experience with Java and functional languages such as Scala and Clojure.

Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of data structures and algorithms.

Experience owning complex engineering projects from inception through production.

Prior experience with hiring, performance management, and growing senior engineering talent.

Excellent communication skills, can make compelling arguments, drive difficult conversations, and represent engineering clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Demonstrates strong judgment in knowing when to escalate, when to resolve informally, and how to cultivate relationships that accelerate execution.

Strong attention to detail with the ability to context-switch across multiple high-priority workstreams and engage all levels of the technical stack.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing teams with presence across multiple international locations and time zones.

Comfortable engaging hands-on in technical discussions, code reviews, and production troubleshooting alongside the team.

Expertise in Big Data processing technologies such as Spark and Flink.

About Apple

Apple is a corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple provides many products and services, including iPhone; iPad; iPod; Mac; Apple TV; a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications; the iOS and OS X operating systems; iCloud; and accessories, service, and support offerings. It sells its products worldwide through its retail stores, online stores, direct sales force and third-party cellular network carriers, wholesalers, retailers, and value-added resellers to the consumer and also sells third-party iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod compatible products, including application software and accessories through its online and retail stores. Introduced in 1984, the Macintosh was the first widely sold personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). That feature and others such as an improved floppy drive design and a low-cost hard drive that made data retrieval faster helped Apple cultivate a reputation for innovation. Apple was named as the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world from 2008 to 2012 by the Fortune magazine. The company was founded by Steven Paul Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Gerald Wayne on April 1, 1976, and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Apple Careers

Join Apple, a place where extraordinary people gather to do their best work. Our ever-expanding global team is at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the tech industry. At Apple, we're not just building products—we're crafting the kind of wonder that revolutionizes entire industries. It's the diversity of our people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Work You’ll Do Embark on a journey with Apple’s market-leading team to help some of the world’s most influential companies navigate their path to digital mastery with cutting-edge technology and services. Transform industries and touch lives with your unique ideas at Apple. Here, you’ll lead through a unique position at the intersection of technology, creativity, and robust industry expertise. Collaborate with a global team of professionals who are at the top of their game in technology and design. Apple isn’t just a company, it’s a community of innovators and passionate thinkers. Introducing the Apple Innovation and Leadership Initiative We are building a market-leading team to drive our efforts in delivering groundbreaking solutions and services. At Apple, job opportunities are abundant, offering you the chance to explore diverse roles from engineering to marketing, all designed to empower your career growth. Do Innovative Work Join the largest group of creative and technical experts in the world—professionals dedicated to redefining what’s possible through technology and innovation. Deliver targeted solutions through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s unmatched, driving forward our commitment to excellence and leadership in every project we undertake. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in a wide range of projects utilizing Apple’s technology and resources. Harness the unparalleled capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development that only Apple can offer. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with limitless opportunities at Apple. Go as far as your ambition takes you with unmatched training, development, and certification support. Explore Discover how Apple is leading the way in tech innovation: [With iOS] Businesses can streamline operations and enhance customer interactions... READ MORE Smart home technology integration that sets the standard for convenience and security... READ MORE The Apple Experience Our combined service capabilities, global scale, and joint solution development help clients overcome challenges and lead transformation in their industries. Clients worldwide look to Apple for new strategies and solutions that drive growth and innovation in the digital era. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Whether you’re seeking a professional role, an internship, or a leadership position, Apple offers a variety of employment opportunities. SEARCH APPLE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Apple, a company committed to diversity, innovation, and leadership. Explore job opportunities, employment benefits, and the culture of growth and innovation at Apple. Prepare your resume, hone your interview skills, and ready yourself for a career at one of the most prestigious companies in the world. Join us in pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Learn more about Apple
Size
154,000 employees
Market Cap
$2,074.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ

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