Job Details

Systems Architect

Cupertino, California, United States

Hardware

Summary

Posted: Apr 14, 2025

Role Number: 200599556

The people here at Apple don’t just create products — they create the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries! It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.

The Systems Performance Architecture team is responsible for modeling performance of Macs and iPads across a large suite of workloads prior to prototype builds, then ensuring those performance targets are met on the actual hardware through software optimizations, power tuning and bug fixes, as applicable. The team also provides various architecture support to the silicon engineering teams and is responsible for evaluating the performance and efficiency of hardware and system options for implementation across the product line of future designs being considered for the Mac and iPad. This includes evaluation of system and device level characteristics from low level device metrics (e.g. throughput, latency, caching/paging behaviors, power/efficiency, etc.) in the presence of operating systems, compiler, power management, and software interactions that ultimately determine the user’s experience on a Mac.

The Systems Architects are involved in identifying performance bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and architectural improvement areas in hardware and software, and work with internal teams and external vendors on addressing them. They also drive critical initiatives bringing new capabilities to the products.

Our team is collaborative, creative and passionate about what we do and the value we add in future product designs.

Come join us!

Description

The Systems Performance Architect will collaborate with Architects to guide hardware performance analysis and modeling across Apple’s products and investigate performance and power characteristics of new workloads involving ML, gaming and professional content creation.

In this highly collaborative and multi-functional role, you will be at the center of multiple efforts to accelerate and optimize future HW and the SW that drives it. We are looking for someone that is familiar with CPU, GPU and ML architectures and is passionate about identifying and optimizing performance bottlenecks. The key responsibilities of this role will entail:

Guiding architecture tradeoff decisions at an executive level

Interacting with various multi-functional teams to understand, model, and guide development.

Collaborating with creative professionals to develop new workflows that drive future architecture and product decisions.

Working with kernel-level and high level software features including working with 3rd party developers.

Collecting the findings from investigations and collaborating with SoC, HW, and SW architecture teams to provide insight for future silicon and products.

Generating performance projections for future systems

Assisting in complex performance debug activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• MS Degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or equivalent years of experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience with system level performance spanning hardware (CPU, GPU, DRAM, storage), software (OS, drivers, applications)

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid understanding and experience in computer architecture

• Strong and proven software development and performance analysis skills

• Experience with performance on low level software and computer architecture.

• Passion for software architecture, APIs and high-performance extensible software

• Experience with system level performance spanning hardware (CPU, GPU, DRAM, storage), software (OS, drivers, applications), and other system characteristics (thermals, power, acoustics) is a plus.

• Understanding of machine learning fundamentals

• Understanding of GPU programming fundamentals using Metal, Vulkan or DirectX 12

• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python

• Strong communication and mentoring skills

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 $175,800 and $312,200, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.