Kernel Engineer - Embedded Runtimes

The Core Operating Systems Group at Apple is seeking an exceptional software engineer for the Embedded Runtimes team. This role involves working on embedded kernel technologies used by every Apple CPU core, SoC, and device, significantly impacting Apple's vertical integration of hardware and software. Responsibilities include designing and implementing embedded kernel technologies, drivers, and infrastructure, collaborating with cross-functional teams for new platforms, defining software roadmaps for new features, and contributing to future hardware and custom silicon specifications. The position requires developing real-time OS components, debugging low-level software, implementing hardware abstraction layers, optimizing kernel code, and designing testing frameworks.

Must Have

• Highly proficient in kernel and driver or embedded firmware development in C and C++
• Fundamental knowledge of embedded processors, with in-depth knowledge of real time operating system concepts
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Highly professional, with the ability to deliver proven work on tight schedules
• Evidence of driving technical innovation

Good to Have

• Ability to comprehend SoC spec
• Experience in silicon and pre-silicon bring-up
• Experience in participating in hardware and software design reviews
• Experience with debuggers such as JTAG, gdb, lldb
• Experience developing tools using Python
• Experience with code management tools such as Git
• Experience with ticket tracking tools such as JIRA
• Bachelor or Master degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Range of discounted products and free services
• Reimbursement for certain educational expenses, including tuition
• Opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs
• Eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards
• Can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Discretionary bonuses or commission payments
• Relocation

Are you a big-picture thinker who loves setting ambitious goals? Do you have a passion for understanding how each line of code affects all the others? In the Core Operating Systems Group, we work on fully integrated operating systems that support a holistic Apple experience providing unified vision of computing to our customers. Your dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration will help develop groundbreaking technologies such as iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS. By crafting these distinct, holistic user experiences, you’ll continue to uphold and advance the excellence people expect from Apple devices. We are looking for an exceptional software engineer to work on embedded kernel technologies which is being used by every Apple CPU core, SoC and device. In the Embedded Runtimes team, we work on a core kernel and runtime technology and you have the opportunity to make a major impact in the way that Apple vertically integrates hardware and software stacks. Our environment champions product innovation, rapid product iteration, and a liberating amount of autonomy. In this rare and highly visible role, you are at the center of Apple’s efforts, influencing and assisting teams multi-functionally to provide best embedded kernel and OS services across Apple’s product line.

• Design and implement embedded kernel technologies, drivers, and supporting infrastructure.
• Work with multi-functional teams to bring up, develop and debug embedded software development environment for new platforms, products, and prototype systems.
• Help define the software roadmap for new embedded kernel and runtime features and supporting a range of hardware platforms, including iPhone, iPad, AppleWatch, AppleTV, VisionPro, and Mac.
• Contribute to spec and requirements and features for future hardware and custom silicon.
• Develop real-time operating system components for embedded audio subsystems across multiple hardware platforms
• Debug complex low-level software issues using specialized debugging tools and techniques in resource-constrained environments
• Implement hardware abstraction layers and communication protocols between embedded processors and main system components
• Optimize kernel code for real-time performance within strict memory and power consumption constraints
• Design and implement comprehensive testing frameworks for embedded kernel components across diverse hardware configurations
• Ensure cross-platform software compatibility across multiple device architectures and system-on-chip variants
• Participate in collaborative code review processes following industry-standard software development practices and quality assurance protocols
• Apply expertise in C/C++ programming with deep understanding of embedded systems fundamentals including concurrent programming, hardware interfaces, and kernel development principles

• Highly proficient in kernel and driver or embedded firmware development in C and C++
• A fundamental knowledge of embedded processors, with in-depth knowledge of real time operating system concepts
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Highly professional, with the ability to deliver proven work on tight schedules
• Evidence of driving technical innovation

• Ability to comprehend SoC spec
• Experience in silicon and pre-silicon bring-up
• Experience in participating in hardware and software design reviews.
• Experience with debuggers such as JTAG, gdb, lldb, etc
• Experience developing tools using Python
• Experience with code management tools such as Git
• Experience with ticket tracking tools such as JIRA
• Bachelor or Master degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering

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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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

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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.