Senior Software Engineer, Middleware - Special Projects

Role Number:
Team:
Machine Learning and AI, Software and Services

Location:

Cupertino Posted:
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.

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 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…