Software Performance Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

Software Performance Engineer, Audio & Media Technologies

San Diego, California, United States Software and Services

Apple's Audio and Media Technologies group is seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer to join our Streaming Media team. You will shape the future of media on a global scale. Our team pioneered and standardized the HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol, and we are now seeking a dedicated Software Engineer to define what comes next in the world of Streaming. In this role, you won't just build an app—you will contribute to the core media frameworks that are an integral part of iOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and the revolutionary visionOS.

As we extend our technology to power groundbreaking experiences, your code will become the backbone of media for billions of users worldwide. If you are excited to solve unique challenges across a diverse hardware ecosystem, from iPhone and Apple Watch to the new frontier of spatial computing, we want to hear from you.

As a Streaming Media Software Engineer, your mission is to both architect the future of Streaming technology and perfect its performance. You'll design and build the next generation of streaming experiences that will define how people interact with media. You will dive deep into our Core Media engine to not only minimize memory usage and improve battery life, but also to achieve scalability.

Your challenge is to ignite the full power of Apple Silicon for demanding experiences like Multi-View, all while operating elegantly within a tight thermal budget. Your code will make the impossible feel effortless on every device—from the most compact Apple Watch to the immersive canvas of Apple Vision Pro.

• A strong command of C, with deep expertise in building robust, thread‑safe systems and taming concurrency with advanced synchronization.
• A profound understanding of the operating system from the metal up— from virtual memory and CPU scheduling to I/O and memory management.
• Proven ability to hunt down and solve the most complex bugs using your expert knowledge of system profiling and analysis tools (GDB/LLDB, Instruments, Wireshark, etc.).
• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.

• Advanced studies (MS/PhD) in a related field, demonstrating a deeper exploration of computer science principles.
• Experience designing and architecting complex, scalable software systems.
• A history of resolving intricate threading or memory bugs, especially in resource‑constrained embedded environments.
• Familiarity with Objective‑C, which is foundational to many of Apple's frameworks.
• A proven track record of driving complex projects to completion in a large, multi‑functional engineering environment.
• Exceptional time management and the ability to navigate competing priorities while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality.
• The integrity and judgment to make sound, timely decisions that move projects forward.
• A genuine passion for building an inclusive and complementary team culture where everyone can provide their best work.
• A highly adaptable, performance‑driven demeanor and a positive approach to tackling new challenges.

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 $122,700 and $214,300, 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…