Apple

Apple

Posted via Apple Careers

Systems Architect

Always Hiring

Posted Sep 1, 2026

Role at a glance

Job function
Engineering & R&D Computer Hardware Engineering
Salary
$184.7K – $324.8K/yr
Location
Cupertino, California, United States
Work arrangement
On-site
Employment
Full-time
Education
Master's, PhD

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About the role

Original posting provided by Apple

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Summary

The people here at Apple don’t just create products — they create the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries! It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.

The Systems Performance Architecture team is responsible for modeling performance of Macs and iPads across a large suite of workloads prior to prototype builds, then ensuring those performance targets are met on the actual hardware through software optimizations, power tuning and bug fixes, as applicable. The team also provides various architecture support to the silicon engineering teams and is responsible for evaluating the performance and efficiency of hardware and system options for implementation across the product line of future designs being considered for the Mac and iPad. This includes evaluation of system and device level characteristics from low level device metrics (e.g. throughput, latency, caching/paging behaviors, power/efficiency, etc.) in the presence of operating systems, compiler, power management, and software interactions that ultimately determine the user’s experience on a Mac.

The Systems Architects are involved in identifying performance bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and architectural improvement areas in hardware and software, and work with internal teams and external vendors on addressing them. They also drive critical initiatives bringing new capabilities to the products.

Our team is collaborative, creative and passionate about what we do and the value we add in future product designs.

Come join us!

Description

The Systems Performance Architect will collaborate with Architects to guide hardware performance analysis and modeling across Apple’s products and investigate performance and power characteristics of new workloads involving ML, gaming and professional content creation.

In this highly collaborative and multi-functional role, you will be at the center of multiple efforts to accelerate and optimize future HW and the SW that drives it. We are looking for someone that is familiar with CPU, GPU and ML architectures and is passionate about identifying and optimizing performance bottlenecks. The key responsibilities of this role will entail:

Guiding architecture tradeoff decisions at an executive level

Interacting with various multi-functional teams to understand, model, and guide development.

Collaborating with creative professionals to develop new workflows that drive future architecture and product decisions.

Working with kernel-level and high level software features including working with 3rd party developers.

Collecting the findings from investigations and collaborating with SoC, HW, and SW architecture teams to provide insight for future silicon and products.

Generating performance projections for future systems

Assisting in complex performance debug activities.

Minimum Qualifications

MS Degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent years of experience.

Minimum of 5 years of industry experience with system level performance spanning hardware (CPU, GPU, DRAM, storage), software (OS, drivers, applications)

Preferred Qualifications

Solid understanding and experience in computer architecture

Strong and proven software development and performance analysis skills

Experience with performance on low level software and computer architecture.

Passion for software architecture, APIs and high-performance extensible software

Experience with system level performance spanning hardware (CPU, GPU, DRAM, storage), software (OS, drivers, applications), and other system characteristics (thermals, power, acoustics) is a plus.

Understanding of machine learning fundamentals

Understanding of GPU programming fundamentals using Metal, Vulkan or DirectX 12

Proficiency in C/C++ and Python

Strong communication and mentoring skills

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 $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.