Senior Software Engineer, Middleware - Special Projects

Summary

Generative intelligence is redefining what’s possible in Apple products. We’re looking for engineers who understand the entire system — from hardware to UI — and are inspired by building the connective layers that make it all work seamlessly. You’ll help shape how Apple’s intelligent systems perform, communicate, and evolve, influencing how new hardware and AI capabilities are integrated across our platforms to create experiences that feel effortless and natural.

You’ll join a team designing and delivering middleware that powers intelligent, adaptive experiences across Apple products and platforms.

Description

Our team works at the intersection of hardware, software, and intelligence. We design the systems, infrastructure, and tools that enable Apple’s next generation of AI-driven experiences — from on-device middleware and distributed inference platforms to large-scale data pipelines, interactive analytics, and advanced developer tooling. We collaborate closely with hardware, robotics, ML, design, and platform teams to build end-to-end solutions that are performant, intuitive, and deeply integrated into Apple’s ecosystem. The work is hands-on, highly cross-disciplinary, and central to shaping how Apple’s intelligent systems evolve.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

Design and implement daemons, frameworks, and system services that orchestrate AI-driven components and manage data, communication, and performance across distributed systems
Prototype and evolve systems that ensure deterministic, reproducible, and analyzable execution
Collaborate with hardware, embedded systems, and AI infrastructure teams to bring new technologies into Apple’s platforms
Partner with UI and backend teams to deliver frameworks that are both high-performance and developer-friendly
Participate in and lead architecture and design reviews, setting high standards for clarity, reliability, and maintainability
Mentor peers, drive system-wide performance improvements, and advocate for robust tooling and diagnostics

Minimum Qualifications

Proficiency in Swift, C++, or Objective-C; comfortable reading and writing low-level code when needed
Deep experience developing for Apple platforms, with a strong understanding of their runtime systems, performance models, and interprocess communication
Proven ability to design and deliver cross-layer solutions that bridge hardware, system software, and higher-level frameworks
Demonstrated ability to influence system-wide architectural decisions and drive design alignment across cross-functional teams — from embedded and hardware engineers to UI and cloud teams
Commitment to measuring and optimizing performance; skilled at using profiling and instrumentation tools
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, and 5+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

Attention to detail, creativity and passion
Ability to deconstruct large features and implement practical solutions with good intuition in making time vs. complexity tradeoffs
Strong understanding of API and framework design for maintainability and usability
Strong grasp of Apple development tools
Experience with real-time or near-real-time systems, robotics, or automation frameworks.
Familiarity with hardware bring-up, device communication protocols, or sensor integration.
Background in distributed systems or data orchestration, especially in AI or edge compute contexts.
Passion for building tools that make complex systems understandable and debuggable.

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.