Security Software Engineer, OS Security, SEAR

Summary

Apple’s OS Security team is looking for a motivated software engineer to design, build, and deploy world-class containment and isolation mechanisms throughout our operating systems. As part of the Security Engineering and Architecture group, you will develop the foundational technologies—including compartmentalization, mandatory access control, and robust policy engines—that ensure our platforms are resilient and never just one mistake away from compromise. Our goal is for users to feel confident that our devices have their back every time they interact with an Apple product.

Description

In this hands-on software engineering role, you will design robust software systems and craft secure, high-performance code, collaborating across the company with everyone from our Silicon Engineering group to our Human Interface designers. We build technology deep within macOS and iOS internals, but we also lift it up through the software stack, creating ergonomic APIs that connect world-class security engineering directly to developers and users. You will have the autonomy to invest your time into the most promising areas of research and development, seeing your work scale to protect millions of people in their daily lives. Come help us push the boundaries of pragmatic, user-focused security.

Responsibilities

Design and implement state-of-the-art isolation and compartmentalization mechanisms for iOS and macOS internals.
Develop and maintain label-based and mandatory access systems, alongside the sophisticated policy languages and engines that enforce them.
Build secure, usable APIs that allow both first-party and third-party developers to easily adopt our containment technologies.
Analyze high-level frameworks and apps to ensure our security models apply pragmatically across the entire system, while operating mostly at the OS and systems programming level.
Balance security, performance, and ease of use by breaking down ambitious, multi-year security goals into tangible, deployable steps.
Collaborate across Apple to ensure our security technologies are not just built, but actively and correctly used by other teams to protect what matters most.

Minimum Qualifications

BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience/skills in systems programming and security.
Strong C and low-level systems programming skills.
Understanding of operating system internals (macOS, iOS, BSD, or Linux).
Ability to navigate and understand code up and down the software stack (comfortable diving into kernel, low-level userland, framework, and application code).
Familiarity with past, current, and emerging security exploits and mitigation techniques.
Demonstrated readiness to balance concurrent priorities, manage technical debt, and deliver on tight schedules.
Excellent partnership and communication skills to collaborate with a broad range of engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Exposure to iOS and macOS (end user, administrator, and/or developer).
Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as FreeBSD and Linux.
Real world kernel and/or hypervisor programming experience.
Experience designing and implementing security policy languages.

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 $129,300 and $225,300, 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.