Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS

Cupertino, California, United States$150,400 - $277,600

The Darwin Server team in Core OS is looking for enthusiastic engineers interested in developing system software for Apple’s operating systems. Darwin is the UNIX-like foundation at the heart of all Apple’s operating systems, stretching from the kernel up through low-level user components. The Darwin Server team is responsible for ensuring this foundation is adaptable for use in server environments, such as with the Private Cloud Compute service that powers Apple Intelligence. In this role, you’ll have an opportunity to dive into complex technical challenges, shaping OS architecture and design of cross-functional features, actively influencing our technical direction. We are seeking candidates who are eager to learn, tackle new problems, and drive innovation through their work, while actively mentoring and supporting each other in our quest to learn and grow as technical leaders. Our environment values diverse perspectives, ideas, and collaborative styles, with the goal of creating opportunities for everyone to thrive and grow.

You will be responsible for working on a range of technologies that form the foundation of Apple’s operating systems, with a focus on improving these technologies for use in server and cloud environments. Projects you work on as part of the Darwin Server team could include: * Building technologies to enable server application packaging and distribution (like OCI images or Flatpak) * Enabling Darwin to be integrated with cloud management and orchestration technologies (similar to cloud-init or Kubernetes) * Improving Darwin’s support for observability at scale (e.g. OpenTelemetry) * Developing new security or privacy features to improve Private Cloud Compute An engineer on the Darwin Server team would regularly: * Participate in all phases of the software development cycle: from problem definition and design, through implementation, testing, and debugging * Work with client teams to build the features required for Darwin to meet their development and product requirements * Partner with technology owners throughout Apple to enable their technologies for use in server environments * Engage cross-functionally to effect technical change across Apple

Experience with UNIX-like systems
Strong understanding of operating systems architecture and systems programming fundamentals
Proficient in a systems programming language such as Swift, C, Rust, or Go (much of our newer work is in Swift).
Familiarity with how operating systems integrate with cloud infrastructure — such as provisioning and orchestration (cloud-init, Kubernetes), application packaging (OCI, containers), and server observability/diagnostics
Experience developing system daemons/services (e.g., launchd-managed services), libraries, or designing APIs
BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent knowledge and experience

Experience building operating system infrastructure to support cloud computing
Practical understanding of security and trust principles such as certificates, software signing, attestation, and policy-based configuration validation.
Ability to systematically troubleshoot issues across the entire technology stack
Perspective on how successful teams build and operate cloud technologies
Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as Darwin, FreeBSD, Linux, etc
Passion for raising the bar for privacy and security in cloud computing

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 $150,400 and $277,600, 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.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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