The SPEAR team at Apple is seeking a collaborative system software engineer focused on enhancing the security of end user devices. This team specializes in security hardening across Apple's operating systems, working on projects that improve the security of critical components. The role involves delivering robust infrastructure and mitigations to eliminate software vulnerabilities while maintaining a polished user experience. The engineer will contribute to a mission of advancing end user security against sophisticated threats.

• 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 quickly get up to speed on new codebases and adjust approaches to meet diverse project needs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively about technical topics, both verbally and in writing.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience/skills.

• Efficiently gain familiarity with the design and implementation of existing codebases.
• Contribute to the design of kernel, driver, and firmware security hardening projects.
• Update existing low-level software codebases or create new ones as necessary to achieve project goals.
• Implement projects using appropriate programming languages, potentially including 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.
• Communicate collaboratively and effectively during all project phases.

• Employees at Apple are often offered comprehensive benefits that support physical and mental well-being—flexible medical plans, confidential counseling, onsite wellness centers at major campuses, and resources for fitness and daily life. Families typically receive fertility support, paid parental leave with gradual return, caregiving leave, and dependent-care guidance, while financial perks commonly include stock grants (with purchase discounts), 401(k) matching, and income-protection coverage. Employees also see robust time off, Apple University learning and tuition reimbursement, donation matching and paid volunteer hours, and deep product and partner discounts.