Apple

Apple

Posted via Apple Careers

Data Center Network Architect

Always Hiring

Posted Aug 6, 2026

Role at a glance

Salary
$184.7K – $324.8K/yr
Location
San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States
Work arrangement
On-site
Employment
Full-time
Experience
10+ years experience in building, securing, and deploying large scale data center network environments

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Role Summary

AI-generated

The Data Center Network team builds and operationalizes products and solutions for Apple’s hyperscale network infrastructure across data centers and edge locations. The role partners with network architects, vendors, and infrastructure teams to shape future network designs and support high performance, reliability, and security.

What You'll Do

  • Partner closely with network architects to bring Apple’s future network vision to life.
  • Meet with vendors and draft RFPs.
  • Qualify software and hardware.
  • Develop solutions and integration plans.
  • Influence Infrastructure teams and Hardware design decisions.

Generated from the employer's posting. Verify important details before applying.

View full posting

Qualifications

Subject Matter expertise in routing/switching; in-depth understanding of switching ASICs; sophisticated knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, and large scale network features; cloud-scale networking background; experience deploying and scaling overlay networking technologies.

Required

  • Subject Matter expertise in routing/switching
  • In-depth understanding of switching ASICs from multiple providers
  • Understanding of multi-vendor & open source network operating system architecture and design
  • Sophisticated knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, and large scale network features
  • Familiarity with network performance tuning and optimization
  • Deep technical background in network-layer security mechanisms
  • Cloud-scale networking background
  • Experience deploying and scaling overlay networking technologies (VXLAN, GRE, IPSec, etc)

Preferred

  • 10+ years experience in building, securing, and deploying large scale data center network environments
  • Engineering leadership experience
  • Technical presentation and communication skills
  • Experience with tooling development and software development lifecycle
  • Proficiency in one or more software languages (Swift, Golang, Python, etc)
  • Extensive understanding of public & private cloud networking architecture & compute virtualization technologies
  • Practical knowledge of high-performance compute and artificial intelligence networking
  • Experience with configuration management platforms (Puppet, Ansible, Salt, Chef, etc)

Original job description

Content provided by the employer

Summary

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

People at Apple don’t just build products — they craft the kind of experience that has revolutionized entire industries. The diverse collection of our people and their ideas encourage innovation in everything we do. Imagine what you could do here! Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.

Apple’s Network Infrastructure is a critical foundation in delivering Apple’s services (such as iCloud, iTunes, Siri, Maps) to billions of customers, and its employees. Apple’s Data Center Networking team is responsible for all aspect of the Network Infrastructure, from Operations to Architecture, thats deployed globally across Apple’s Data Centers and Edge locations. We are responsible for delivering a network that can match Apple’s scale, reliability and security goals.

We work closely with Apple’s other Infrastructure organizations, Hardware and Software Architecture teams to influence, build and operate Apple’s Infrastructure. Our influences can range anywhere from Data Center Network Fabrics to a Hardware System Design. We listen to different perspectives, help surface innovative ideas, and drive decisions that move us forward.

Description

As a part of the Data Center Network team, you will build and operationalize innovative products and solutions that will craft the hyper-scale network infrastructure for Apple. We are looking for candidates who have a strong passion in building sophisticated large scale systems for high performance and reliability with broad experience in distributed systems architecture and networking!

Responsibilities

You will partner closely with network architects to bring Apple’s future network vision to life.
You will meet with vendors, draft RFPs, qualify software and hardware, develop solutions, influence other Infrastructure teams, influence Hardware design decision, and provide integration plans.
This is a small group of engineers that have heavy influence in the future of Apple’s network.

Minimum Qualifications

Subject Matter expertise in routing/switching.
In-depth understanding of switching ASICs from multiple providers.
Understanding of multi-vendor & open source network operating system architecture and design
Sophisticated knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, and large scale network features.
Familiarity with network performance tuning and optimization
Deep technical background in network-layer security mechanisms
Cloud-scale networking background
Experience deploying and scaling overlay networking technologies (VXLAN, GRE, IPSec, etc)
Familiarity with data center structured cabling, fiber plant, power, and cooling

Preferred Qualifications

10+ years experience in building, securing, and deploying large scale data center network environments

Engineering leadership experience
Self-starter, self-motivated, self-directed, and self-sufficient. Drives ideas from inception to implementation
Demonstrates consistent technical, organizational, and industry-level awareness.
Technical presentation and communication skills with the ability to articulate concepts, designs and decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Software and Systems
Experience with tooling development and software development lifecycle.
Proficiency in one or more software languages (Swift, Golang, Python, etc)
Extensive understanding of public & private cloud networking architecture & compute virtualization technologies
Practical knowledge of high-performance compute and artificial intelligence networking
Experience with configuration management platforms (Puppet, Ansible, Salt, Chef, etc)

Pay & Benefits — San Francisco Bay Area, 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 $184,700 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.

Apple

About the company

Apple

Large Enterprise

Apple Inc. is a global technology company known for its innovative products and services, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, and Apple Watch. Founded in 1976, Apple has continuously pushed the boundaries of design and functionality, earning a reputation for high-quality consumer electronics and software solutions like iOS and macOS. With a strong commitment to user experience and privacy, Apple also leads in digital services, offering platforms such as the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud. The company's focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility further enhances its standing as a leader in the technology sector.