Kernel Engineer - Embedded Runtimes

Cupertino, California, United States Software and Services

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, watch

OS, tvOS and vision

OS. 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, Apple Watch, Apple

TV, Vision Pro, 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…