Apple

Senior Detection Creation Engineer

Apple • $130K — $180K *
Seattle, WA 98115In-Person
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Reposted Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in security detection, threat hunting, or related fields
  • Strong grasp of real-world attacker behaviors and techniques
  • Proficient in at least one programming language (Python, Scala, Java, etc.)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
  • Experience with analyzing security telemetry data for malicious activity
  • Hands-on experience with detection rule engines like Falco
  • Familiarity with large-scale data processing systems such as Apache Spark

Responsibilities

  • Develop security detections for malicious activity across Apple's services using Scala Spark and Falco
  • Analyze attacker behaviors into observable patterns from various telemetry sources
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to identify and develop high-fidelity detections
  • Tune detections based on real-world data to minimize false positives
  • Work with security operations to ensure actionable alerts are integrated into response workflows
  • Document detection logic for cross-team knowledge sharing

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment that fosters innovation
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
  • Opportunity to impact security for billions of customers
  • Engagement in a diverse team culture
  • Professional development opportunities and career growth
Full Job Description
The Detection team within Apple Services Engineering (ASE) is responsible for building advanced detections that protect approximately three-quarters of Apple's systems and services. We achieve this by partnering closely with engineering teams to develop a deep technical understanding of how these systems operate, along with a comprehensive grasp of the threat landscape. This allows us to build state-of-the-art security detections that proactively defend against real-world attacks.\n\nWe're looking for a Detection Creation Engineer who combines deep security intuition with technical implementation skills. In this role, you'll craft detection logic that catches active malicious activity across Apple's infrastructure. You'll need to think like an attacker, understand how malicious behaviors manifest in telemetry data, and translate that knowledge into high-fidelity detections that protect our customers.\n\nThis is a hands-on technical role where you'll write detection code in Scala Spark (Databricks notebooks) and configuration files for on-host detection systems (such as Falco rules). While we don't require prior Scala experience, we do expect strong programming fundamentals and the curiosity to dive deep into new technologies.\n\nIf you're passionate about understanding attacker tradecraft and translating that knowledge into defensive capabilities, we'd love to hear from you!

As a Detection Creation Engineer on the ASE Detection Team, you will: Develop security detections that identify active malicious activity across Apple's services and infrastructure, implementing detection logic in Scala Spark (Databricks) and on-host detection frameworks (Falco rules) Analyze attacker behaviors and translate them into observable patterns across diverse telemetry sources including system call events, network logs, database access logs, endpoint security telemetry, Kubernetes audit logs, and other security-relevant data sources Collaborate with engineering teams to understand system architectures, identify detection opportunities, and develop detections that are both high-fidelity and operationally sustainable Tune and optimize detections based on real-world alert data, reducing false positives while maintaining coverage of malicious behaviors Operationalize detections by working with security operations teams to ensure alerts are actionable, triaged efficiently, and integrated into incident response workflows Document detection logic and rationale to enable knowledge sharing across the security organization

5+ years of experience in security detection, threat hunting, incident response, penetration testing, red teaming, or related security disciplines Demonstrated understanding of real attacker behaviors, tactics, and techniques Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, Scala, Java, Go, or similar) with the ability and willingness to learn Scala Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent professional experience Experience analyzing security telemetry data to identify malicious activity or anomalous behaviors

Prior experience writing detections in Scala, Python, or other languages for large-scale data processing systems Experience with Apache Spark, Databricks, or similar large-scale distributed compute frameworks Hands-on experience with on-host detection rules engine systems (Falco or similar) Deep technical expertise in one or more areas: Linux system internals, network protocols, web application security, container/Kubernetes security, or cloud infrastructure Experience with multiple security-relevant telemetry sources: system call traces (network, process, file), endpoint detection and response (EDR) data, network traffic analysis, application logs, database audit logs, cloud provider audit logs Understanding of evasion techniques and how attackers attempt to avoid detection Contributions to open-source security projects or published research on detection techniques Experience with detection engineering at scale, including managing false positive rates and detection tuning methodologies

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
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$63.9 billion
Founded
1976
5 Year Trend
+11.5%
Revenue
$294.1 billion
NASDAQ
AAPL
* Ladders Estimates

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