Job Details

Staff Software Engineer, Apple Data Platform

Cupertino, California, United States

Software and Services

Summary

Posted: Jul 07, 2025

Role Number: 200611954

The Apple Data Platform serves as a foundational building block for Apple’s Services, Software, and AI/ML ecosystem. It delivers advanced capabilities in data governance, compliance, and scalable data infrastructure, supporting both batch and real-time processing, embeddings and feature store management, lakehouse architecture, data virtualization, and inference services. These tools enable seamless analytics and AI workflows across Apple’s products and services, fostering continuous innovation and integration throughout the ecosystem.

Built on a foundation of open-source technologies such as Ray, Spark, Flink, and Iceberg, the platform operates across multi-cloud and on-premises environments to power intelligent, data-driven experiences. As part of this growing platform, we are seeking a Staff Software Engineer who is passionate about developing secure, scalable, and user-centric infrastructure to support Apple’s data and AI initiatives at scale.

Description

As a technical lead, you will play a critical role in designing and building core platform capabilities that support Apple’s Data and AI workloads. You will focus on developing systems for compute abstraction, advanced workload scheduling, cost efficiency, observability, and capacity management. Your work will enable scalable, reliable, and optimized infrastructure that powers data-intensive and machine learning applications across Apple.

We’re looking for individuals who are technically strong and comfortable operating at the intersection of engineering and business impact. You should have a solid grasp of infrastructure domains—such as compute, storage, networking, security, DevOps, databases, and application development—with deep expertise in at least a couple of those areas. Just as important is your ability to align engineering decisions with business goals and deliver solutions that provide measurable value.

Success in this role requires strong technical communication and the ability to work effectively across teams. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers, product teams, and partners across the organization to drive architectural decisions and long-term platform strategy. A deep curiosity for complex systems, commitment to technical excellence, and focus on end-user impact will define your contributions. If you enjoy solving foundational infrastructure challenges and leading by example, we’d love to connect.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience designing, building, and operating data infrastructure across cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, Azure, and hybrid/on-prem environments.

• Strong background in distributed systems and cloud-native technologies, with hands-on expertise in Kubernetes, serverless frameworks, and container orchestration.

• Proven ability to design scalable compute platforms with a focus on intelligent scheduling, efficient resource management, and cost optimization.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to bridge technical decisions and business goals.

• Strong leadership in technical execution—skilled in prioritization, cross-team collaboration, and driving initiatives from concept to production.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related technical discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience contributing to open source projects or presenting at industry conferences in areas such as data platforms, machine learning, or AI.

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 $181,100 and $318,400, 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.