System Software Engineer, Security

$143,100 - $264,200/Yr

Apple - Cupertino, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Cupertino, CA

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

About the position

The SPEAR team in Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is seeking a collaborative System Software Engineer focused on enhancing the security of end-user devices. This role involves working on security hardening projects across all of Apple's operating systems, contributing to the development of robust infrastructure and mitigations that improve user security. The engineer will engage in cross-functional collaboration, thorough testing, and clear documentation to ensure the safety of users' digital lives against sophisticated threats.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently gain familiarity with new codebases.
• Contribute to the design of kernel, driver, and firmware security hardening projects, including memory safety technology adoption and mitigation deployment.
• Update existing low-level software codebases or create new ones as necessary using appropriate programming languages such as C, C++, or Swift.
• Adopt or update isolated unit testing to thoroughly exercise changes and collaborate with QA engineers on functional testing.
• Document changes and new architectural elements, creating training materials for partner teams to maintain changes going forward.
• Communicate collaboratively and effectively during all project phases.

Requirements

• Experience developing software for low-level environments such as firmware, hardware drivers, kernels, or hypervisors.
• Strong interest in security and a desire to develop skills in that area.
• Deep understanding of a system programming language such as C or C++.
• Understanding of how low-level software is compiled to machine code and interacts with hardware.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively about technical topics (verbal and written).
• Enthusiastic, empathetic, and collaborative approach to multi-functional projects.
• Ability to quickly get up to speed on new codebases and adjust approaches to meet diverse project needs.

Nice-to-haves

• Openness to new ways of approaching low-level software for stronger security.
• Experience with memory safe languages, safer C++ abstractions, and C memory safety extensions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Discounted products and free services.
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses, including tuition.
• Opportunity to participate in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs.