Historical snapshotmid (3–5 yrs)Captured Nov 15, 2026, 1:19 a.m.

Darwin Runtime Engineer, Core OS

Apple

Location
Cupertino, California, United States · Onsite
Compensation
$129,300 - $225,300 USD annually
Employment
Full-time
Experience level
MID (3–5 years exp)
Specialization
Apple
Source
Apple

Role Overview

The people here at Apple don’t just build products, we build the kind of wonder that revolutionise entire industries. Imagine what you could do here! Do you have a passion for understanding how each line of code affects all the others? In the Core Operating Systems group ensuring the OS is inseparable from each device’s identity as a whole. That’s because this group is committed to building fully integrated operating systems that combine hardware, software, and apps into a single Apple experience. Your dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration will help develop groundbreaking technologies, such as iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. By crafting these distinct, complete user experiences, you’ll continue to uphold and advance the excellence people expect from Apple devices! The Darwin Runtime team in Core OS is looking for enthusiastic engineers interested in developing low-level system technologies for Apple’s operating systems.

Responsibilities

The Darwin Runtime team is responsible for building the low-level runtime technologies like Grand Central Dispatch (GCD), secure inter-process communication systems, memory allocator, threading library, and concurrency and synchronization primitives. The team operates at the intersection of operating systems, programming language design, systems security, and high-performance computing. As a Software Engineer on the team, you'll work closely with kernel engineers, security architects, and framework developers to deliver foundational technologies that enable Apple's next-generation computing platforms.The ideal candidate should be self-motivated and effective in operating independently, with a desire to learn and develop technical leadership. Team members are welcome and encouraged to participate in design discussions, code reviews, and development across multiple technologies. Our environment fosters technical innovation, meaningful technology ownership, and a liberating amount of autonomy.

Requirements & Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent degree 0-3+ years of relevant industry experience in low level systems programming Passion for low-level system technologies Fluency in the C programming language Experience with UNIX-like systems System design and architecture skills Strong understanding of operating system fundamentals like threading, synchronization primitives, inter-process communication, scheduling, and virtual memory

Excellent collaborative skills, with the ability to work with a team to design system architecture

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with compiler design, including lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, and code generation

Knowledge of capability-based security models, sandboxing, and secure IPC mechanisms

Knowledge of operating system implementation, hardware architecture and assembly programming Knowledge of Swift or Objective-C Skilled at interface and/or API design Experience with lldb or gdb

Compensation & 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 $129,300 and $225,300, 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 tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Instructions

Apply directly on Apple Jobs at Darwin Runtime Engineer, Core OS.

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