Principal Security Software Engineer

Summary

Apple services and platforms face evolving security threats, from cloud vulnerabilities to application layer attacks, that require scalable, effective security solutions. We are looking for a Principal Security Software Engineer to tackle complex security problems across our datacenter and public cloud-based infrastructure and services, translating emerging threats into concrete defenses.

In this role, you'll solve critical security challenges by identifying, designing, and implementing innovative solutions that protect our systems and services while enabling engineers to build quickly and safely. This role combines deep engineering problem-solving with cross-functional collaboration and technical leadership to embed security into everything we build.

Description

As a Principal Security Software Engineer, you'll tackle complex security challenges that span our entire infrastructure and services. You'll identify and resolve security issues across infrastructure, public cloud, applications, data stores and platforms, designing secure and scalable architectures that protect our services and customer data while enabling engineering teams to build quickly and confidently. Working closely with engineering, product, privacy, legal, and compliance teams, you'll translate security requirements into practical, developer-friendly solutions that embed protection into our systems from the ground up. This means identifying new approaches and tools that make secure-by-design the paved path, the default path, not an obstacle to overcome.

You'll also strengthen security capabilities across the organization through mentorship and collaboration. That means partnering with engineers to build security skills through hands-on problem-solving, creating practical guidance that makes security concepts accessible and actionable. When emerging threats arise, you'll analyze new attack vectors, develop proactive defenses, and drive changes in our platforms and services. Success in this role means solving problems that require both deep technical expertise across security domains (cloud, network, application security, data protection) and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams to turn security theory into engineering reality.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience in security engineering, including expertise in one or more areas such as cloud security, network security, or application security.
Expert knowledge in threat modeling, vulnerability management, security architecture, and secure coding practices.
Deep expertise in AWS, GCP or Azure
Strong coding or scripting skills (e.g., Python, Go, Java) and experience with infrastructure-as-code (IaC) and DevSecOps practices.
Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA).
Leadership: Proven ability to lead security strategy and mentor teams across functions, driving a security-focused culture.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience building a secure cloud, not just using one securely
Visionary: Capable of anticipating future challenges and crafting security strategies that prepare us to meet them.
Problem Solver: Analytical mentality with an aim to solve sophisticated security challenges and deliver balanced solutions.
Communicator: Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire technical and non-technical partners.

Pay & Benefits — Seattle, Washington, 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 $205,400 and $374,300, 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.