Apple

Senior System Engineer

Apple$130K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years in software development with system programming expertise
  • Strong C/C++ skills, with focus on memory management and threading
  • Proficient in Unix environments with low-level debugging experience
  • Capable of using tools like lldb, dtrace, and Instruments for troubleshooting
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical project delivery
  • Degree in Computer Science or related field preferred

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the core compositing infrastructure for all Apple devices
  • Optimize frame scheduling and display processes for performance
  • Implement visual security features and manage critical system code
  • Collaborate with GPU, Display, and Metal teams to enhance compositing
  • Balance performance with battery life and reliability
  • Mentor team members and provide technical guidance

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on infrastructure impacting billions of users
  • Engagement with cutting-edge display and graphics technologies
  • Dynamic work environment encouraging versatility and autonomy
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams across various platforms
Full Job Description
We\'re seeking an exceptional senior software engineer who combines deep technical expertise with versatility and strong leadership to work across our UI Compositing team. You will contribute to the core compositing infrastructure that powers all Apple devices, working on challenges that span from low-level system optimization to cross-platform feature development. This role requires the ability to context-switch between different technical domains while maintaining the same high standards of quality and performance. As part of the UI Compositing team, you will play a central role within our graphics stack. Your work will span multiple areas of compositing infrastructure-optimizing how frames are scheduled and displayed, implementing visual security features, handling user input events, and maintaining critical system code. You\'ll work on problems that balance performance with battery life, ensure security and privacy, and maintain the reliability of systems that billions of users depend on daily. Partnering with GPU driver teams, Display teams, and Metal framework engineers, you\'ll help shape compositing infrastructure across iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Our team values versatility, deep technical expertise, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. We work in complex codebases where autonomy, strong debugging skills, and the willingness to dive deep into intricate system-level code are essential. The ability to move fluidly between different technical challenges and work across the full compositing stack is critical to success in this role.

5+ years of experience in software development with strong systems programming background Deep familiarity with Unix environments, system programming, and low-level debugging Proficiency in C/C++ with understanding of memory management, threading, and performance optimization Strong debugging skills with ability to trace complex issues through multiple layers of abstraction using tools like lldb, dtrace, and Instruments Experience with performance analysis and optimizations. Understanding of compositing, frame timing, vsync, and display technologies Proven track record of leading technical initiatives and driving projects from concept to completion Demonstrated ability to work across multiple technical domains and context-switch effectively Self-driven approach to testing, validation, and ensuring code quality Demonstrated ability to mentor others and provide technical leadership Bachelor\'s or Master\'s degree or equivalent in Computer Science or related field

Experience with compositing systems, scheduler design, or graphics infrastructure Experience with GPU Programming, Metal, or modern graphics APIs Familiarity with advanced display technologies and variable refresh rate systems Understanding of display hardware and GPU architectures Experience with event-driven systems and input handling Experience working with large legacy codebases and incremental modernization strategies Experience working across multiple Apple platforms (iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS) Experience integrating software with hardware capabilities Proven ability to define processes and drive automation to increase productivity Experience shipping consumer products at scale and working across hardware and software Versatility to work across different technical areas and problem domains

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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