Apple

Offensive Security Researcher, Kernel & Embedded Security

Apple$130K — $180K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in vulnerability research on operating system kernels, firmware, or embedded components.
  • Understanding of low-level vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques, including memory corruption and race conditions.
  • Ability to leverage AI techniques and tools for security research.
  • Outstanding collaboration skills within cross-functional teams.
  • Deep knowledge of kernel internals and virtual memory management.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct offensive security research on operating system kernels and firmware.
  • Evaluate and strengthen security in the most privileged layers of Apple products.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to improve system security.
  • Apply machine learning methods to enhance security research.
  • Analyze boot ROMs and secure enclaves for vulnerabilities.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies in security.
  • Collaborative environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Engagement in impactful research that strengthens product security.
  • Access to professional development and training opportunities.
Full Job Description
Description

We engage in various activities, including vulnerability research, binary exploitation, security tooling development, fuzzing, machine learning, and many more. By developing and harnessing state-of-the-art technologies, we amplify our impact on Apple's product security.

In this role, your primary focus will be on the kernel and embedded layers of Apple platforms. You will conduct offensive security research across operating system kernels, boot ROMs, firmware, secure enclaves, and other low-level components that form the foundation of our security architecture. You will work in cross-functional teams alongside other researchers and engineering teams to evaluate and strengthen the most privileged layers of our products.

This job is for individuals with outstanding technical skills, grit, and a genuine passion for breaking systems - so we can build them stronger.

If this is you, we'd love to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications

Proven experience in vulnerability research targeting operating system kernels, firmware, or embedded components

Strong understanding of low-level vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques, such as memory corruption, race conditions, and use-after-free

Ability to apply AI techniques and tools, such as LLMs or Machine Learning, for security research

Outstanding collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

Deep knowledge of kernel internals, including virtual memory management, system call interfaces, and driver frameworks

Experience with firmware and boot ROM security analysis, including secure boot chains and hardware trust anchors

Familiarity with embedded processors and coprocessors security (e.g., Secure Enclave, DMA-capable peripherals, baseband)

Fluency with tool development, using programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Swift, or Objective-C

Experience with reverse-engineering techniques and tools like IDA or Ghidra

Knowledge of Apple operating systems like iOS or macOS is nice-to-have, but not required

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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