OS Performance Engineer (AI Feature Performance)

Summary

Great performance is critical to Apple's product experience, but exceptional performance begins with the decisions we make today about the products of tomorrow. The Performance Modeling and Features team within CoreOS Performance serves as performance optimizers and strategic advisors across Apple's software and hardware organizations, using performance analysis, data-driven insights, and predictive modeling to improve performance, as well as shape architecture decisions, hardware specifications, and product planning. The team is seeking an engineer to focus on AI feature performance and can operate at a unique intersection: using performance expertise, data science, and strategic planning to not just measure and optimize performance, but model it, predict it, and use those insights to shape decisions. If this excites you, we should talk!

Description

In this role, you'll serve as a performance optimizer and advisor with a focus on AI feature usage on our platforms, working with everyone from feature teams architecting new capabilities to hardware teams planning next-generation devices. Your goal will be to ensure Apple ships smooth, snappy, and efficient AI features and the best possible customer experience for the system as a whole. You'll write code for feature optimizations and testing automation, as well as analysis pipelines and simulation tools that enable teams to make informed decisions based on quantitative insights.

Responsibilities

Consult with feature teams on software architecture decisions from a performance perspective. Analyze telemetry data and design experiments to inform performance optimization and hardware lifecycle decisions.
Develop metrics, tools, and analysis pipelines to extract insights from large-scale datasets
Collaborate across software, hardware, and silicon teams to translate performance analysis into strategic guidance
Write robust, maintainable code for models, simulations, testing, and automation
Drive performance improvements from insight to implementation, ensuring analytical findings translate into measurable gains in customer experience.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative field, or equivalent professional experience
Proficiency in programming languages for OS systems development, data analysis, and/or modeling (e.g., Python, R, SQL, C/C++ Objective-C, Swift)
Working knowledge of modern AI/LLM systems, AI/LLM model architecture, and operating system fundamentals (e.g., memory management, scheduling, file systems, storage)
Demonstrated ability to transform raw data into actionable insights through analysis, modeling, and visualization
Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain technical concept to diverse audiences
Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and build relationships with diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or related quantitative field
Experience shipping high-performance modern LLM-based AI features
Experience with performance modeling, capacity planning, or computer architecture evaluation
Knowledge of modern CPU and memory architectures, and hardware/software interactions
Experience with performance analysis tools and methodologies (e.g.,profiling, tracing, instrumentation) Experience driving cross-functional projects and influencing decisions across diverse stakeholder groups
Track record of connecting quantitative insights to strategic product or business decisions
Prior experience in Unix, Linux, macOS, or iOS development or performance optimization

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $216,200 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.