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Senior Systems Engineer, Watch Software

Apple· Software and Services
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Hybrid (San Diego, CA), Hybrid (Boulder, CO), Hybrid (Cupertino, CA)$175k - $308.5kfull-timePosted 2w ago

About the role

Senior software engineer on the watchOS Systems team responsible for building and optimizing foundational software that drives Apple Watch performance and power efficiency, with opportunities to conduct investigative research, prototype new technologies, and influence future hardware/software features.

Responsibilities

  • Work at many layers of the system software stack, from firmware or kernel layers up to application layers, to create new experiences by leveraging hardware in new ways.
  • Establish SW’s needs for future hardware, i.e. by modeling and projecting memory demand over the whole lifetime of a new SoC
  • Engage in investigative and research-like projects to explore and prototype solutions for complex, open-ended problems.
  • Diagnose and address functional and performance issues at the language, runtime, and kernel layers as well as in application and system daemons.
  • Implement new software components, frameworks, and applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features.

Qualifications

  • 8+ years industry experience.
  • Deep technical understanding and hands-on experience with software development and lifecycle management.
  • Experience with low-level OS systems, i.e. kernel, Darwin or drivers.
  • Deep experience with power and performance measurement and investigation techniques.
  • Solid computer science fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with a technical team.
  • Experience defining and contributing to application or systems architecture.
  • Ability to work with technology partners at all levels of the stack, from hardware, sensors, and firmware to frameworks and applications.
  • Experience in additional technical areas, like Graphics, UI or networking.
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills, especially with ambiguous or undefined problems.

Skills

Required:Software development lifecycleLow-level OS systemsPower and performance measurementArchitecture/designCross-functional collaborationProblem-solving and debugging

Benefits

  • Apple benefits including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, discounted products and free services, and reimbursement for certain educational expenses (tuition).
  • Discretionary bonuses or commission payments may be available.
  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Employee stock programs including discretionary RSUs and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Last updated Oct 9, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

AirPods Max 2Apple ArcadeApple CardApple Fitness+Apple MusicApple TVApple TV+Apple Watch Series 11
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