Apple

Systems & Kernel Software Engineer, SEAR

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience/skills.
  • Experience in low-level software development such as firmware, drivers, kernels, or hypervisors.
  • Strong grasp of system programming languages, particularly C and C++.
  • Understanding of low-level software compilation and hardware interaction.
  • Strong interest in security and eagerness to enhance skills in that area.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to new codebases and project requirements.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical topics.

Responsibilities

  • Familiarize efficiently with existing codebases' design and implementation.
  • Design kernel, driver, and firmware security hardening projects.
  • Modify or create low-level software codebases for project goals.
  • Implement projects using languages like C, C++, or Swift.
  • Update unit tests and collaborate with QA engineers for functional validation.
  • Document changes and create training materials for partner teams.
  • Communicate effectively throughout all phases of projects.

Benefits

  • Exposure to cutting-edge security technologies and practices.
  • Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration within Apple.
  • Chance to work in a team dedicated to improving user device security.
  • Access to professional development resources and training materials.
  • Contributing to high-impact projects affecting millions of users.
Full Job Description
The SPEAR team in Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is hiring a collaborative system software engineer with a drive to improve the security of end user devices.\n\nSPEAR is a dedicated team of software engineers that works on security hardening in the lower levels of all of Apple's operating systems. We work with teams across Apple on targeted projects to improve the security of critical components of our operating systems. We focus on projects ranging from surgical adoptions of memory safety technologies to wholesale refactors that reorient key system components to keep our users' devices secure. Our work results in major improvements to the security of Apple's products without compromising the polished user experience over a billion users rely on every day.\n\nAs a Systems & Kernel Software Engineer in SPEAR, you will work with teams across the lower levels of Apple's software stack to improve the security of our operating systems. You and your team will deliver well-designed, robust, and maintainable infrastructure and mitigations that eliminate whole classes of software vulnerabilities. Your team's accomplishments will dramatically accelerate progress o improving the security of our user's devices. Your work will help set the standard for cross-functional collaboration, thorough testing, and clear documentation. \n\nThrough the collective efforts of talented engineers like yourself, Apple's products are the most secure consumer devices on the market. Our mission is to continue to advance the state of the art of end user security. Our goal isn't simply to be the most secure: we're working to ensure the safety of every user's digital life, even against the most malicious and well-resourced adversaries.

Each project will involve solving unique challenges while handling the following core responsibilities: Efficiently gain familiarity with the design and implementation of existing codebases. Contribute to design of kernel, driver, and firmware security hardening projects, including memory safety technology adoption, mitigation deployment, sandboxing/isolation, refactoring, and other approaches as necessary. Update existing low-level software codebases or create new codebases as necessary to achieve project goals. Implement projects using the most appropriate language, potentially including C, C++, or Swift. Adopt or update isolated unit testing to thoroughly exercise changes; collaborate with QA engineers on functional testing. Document changes and new architectural elements, creating training materials required for partner team to maintain changes going forward. Communicate collaboratively and effectively during all project phases.

Experience developing software for low-level environments such as firmware, hardware drivers, kernels, or hypervisors Strong interest in security and a desire to develop your skills in that area Deep understanding of a system programming language such as C or C++ Understanding of how low-level software is compiled to machine code and interacts with hardware Ability to quickly get up to speed on new codebases and adjust your approach to meet the needs of diverse projects and requirements Ability to communicate clearly and effectively about technical topics (verbal and written) Enthusiastic, empathetic, and collaborative approach to multi-functional projects Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience/skills

This role requires openness to new ways of approaching low-level software to achieve stronger security. While experience in these areas is not required, this could include use of memory safe languages, safer C++ abstractions, and C memory safety extensions.

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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