Apple

Principal Security Software Engineer

Apple$150K — $180K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field
  • 10+ years of hands-on security engineering experience
  • Expertise in cloud, network, or application security
  • Deep knowledge of threat modeling and vulnerability management
  • Strong coding/scripting skills (e.g., Python, Go, Java) and experience with DevSecOps
  • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA)
  • Proven leadership in driving security strategy and culture

Responsibilities

  • Identify and solve complex security challenges across infrastructure and services
  • Design and implement secure and scalable architectures
  • Translate security requirements into developer-friendly solutions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering and compliance
  • Mentor engineers in security practices and problem-solving
  • Analyze new attack vectors and develop proactive defenses
  • Drive changes in platforms to enhance overall security posture

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on high-impact security challenges
  • Collaborative and inclusive company culture
  • Professional growth through mentorship opportunities
  • Access to innovative tools and technologies
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams for holistic security solutions
Full Job Description
Apple services and platforms face evolving security threats, from cloud vulnerabilities to application layer attacks, that require scalable, effective security solutions. We are looking for a Principal Security Software Engineer to tackle complex security problems across our datacenter and public cloud-based infrastructure and services, translating emerging threats into concrete defenses.\n\nIn this role, you'll solve critical security challenges by identifying, designing, and implementing innovative solutions that protect our systems and services while enabling engineers to build quickly and safely. This role combines deep engineering problem-solving with cross-functional collaboration and technical leadership to embed security into everything we build.

As a Principal Security Software Engineer, you'll tackle complex security challenges that span our entire infrastructure and services. You'll identify and resolve security issues across infrastructure, public cloud, applications, data stores and platforms, designing secure and scalable architectures that protect our services and customer data while enabling engineering teams to build quickly and confidently. Working closely with engineering, product, privacy, legal, and compliance teams, you'll translate security requirements into practical, developer-friendly solutions that embed protection into our systems from the ground up. This means identifying new approaches and tools that make secure-by-design the paved path, the default path, not an obstacle to overcome. You'll also strengthen security capabilities across the organization through mentorship and collaboration. That means partnering with engineers to build security skills through hands-on problem-solving, creating practical guidance that makes security concepts accessible and actionable. When emerging threats arise, you'll analyze new attack vectors, develop proactive defenses, and drive changes in our platforms and services. Success in this role means solving problems that require both deep technical expertise across security domains (cloud, network, application security, data protection) and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams to turn security theory into engineering reality.

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience in security engineering, including expertise in one or more areas such as cloud security, network security, or application security. Expert knowledge in threat modeling, vulnerability management, security architecture, and secure coding practices. Deep expertise in AWS, GCP or Azure Strong coding or scripting skills (e.g., Python, Go, Java) and experience with infrastructure-as-code (IaC) and DevSecOps practices. Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA). Leadership: Proven ability to lead security strategy and mentor teams across functions, driving a security-focused culture.

Experience building a secure cloud, not just using one securely Visionary: Capable of anticipating future challenges and crafting security strategies that prepare us to meet them. Problem Solver: Analytical mentality with an aim to solve sophisticated security challenges and deliver balanced solutions. Communicator: Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire technical and non-technical partners.

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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