Job Details

Core OS Software Engineer - Darwin Server

Cupertino, California, United States

Software and Services

Summary

Posted: Jun 23, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number: 200610315

The Darwin Server team in Core OS is looking for enthusiastic engineers interested in developing system software for Apple’s operating systems. Darwin is the UNIX-like foundation at the heart of all Apple’s operating systems, stretching from the kernel up through low-level user components. The Darwin Server team is responsible for ensuring this foundation is adaptable for use in server environments, such as with the Private Cloud Compute service that powers Apple Intelligence.

In this role, you’ll have an opportunity to dive into complex technical challenges, shaping OS architecture and design of cross-functional features, actively influencing our technical direction. We are seeking candidates who are eager to learn, tackle new problems, and drive innovation through their work, while actively mentoring and supporting each other in our quest to learn and grow as technical leaders. Our environment values diverse perspectives, ideas, and collaborative styles, with the goal of creating opportunities for everyone to thrive and grow.

Description

You will be responsible for working on a range of technologies that form the foundation of Apple’s operating systems, with a focus on improving these technologies for use in server and cloud environments. Projects you work on as part of the Darwin Server team could include:

• Building technologies to enable server application packaging and distribution (like OCI images or Flatpak)
• Enabling Darwin to be integrated with cloud management and orchestration technologies (similar to cloud-init or Kubernetes)
• Improving Darwin’s support for observability at scale (e.g. OpenTelemetry)
• Developing new security or privacy features to improve Private Cloud Compute

AN ENGINEER ON THE DARWIN SERVER TEAM WOULD REGULARLY:

• Participate in all phases of the software development cycle: from problem definition and design, through implementation, testing, and debugging
• Work with client teams to build the features required for Darwin to meet their development and product requirements
• Partner with technology owners throughout Apple to enable their technologies for use in server environments
• Engage cross-functionally to affect technical change across Apple

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience with UNIX-like systems

• Strong understanding of operating systems architecture and systems programming fundamentals

• Fluent in any of the following programming languages: C, Objective-C or Swift

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building operating system infrastructure to support cloud computing

• Experience with system daemon, library development, or API design

• Efficiency in scripting, data analysis, and automation using Python, shell, or other scripting languages

• Practical understanding of security principles, concepts, and techniques (e.g. certificates, software signing, attestation)

• Ability to systematically troubleshoot issues across the entire technology stack

• Perspective on how successful teams build and operate cloud technologies

• Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as Darwin, FreeBSD, Linux, etc

• Passion for raising the bar for privacy and security in cloud computing

• BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent knowledge and experience

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 $121,900 and $214,500, 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.