Apple Silicon Trace Tools Engineer

Apple Silicon Trace Tools Engineer

Cupertino, California, United States

Software and Services

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something — you'll add something. The Core Runtimes Trace Technologies Team within Apple's Core OS organization is looking for an enthusiastic systems engineer interested in developing system software for introspection capabilities across Apple's operating systems. Your work will power tools that shine a light on dark corners of the system by identifying critical performance and correctness bugs invisible to traditional instrumentation or sampling-based tools. Join a passionate, highly skilled team focused on building next-generation performance and analysis insight capabilities powered by custom-designed Apple Silicon introspection technologies. This is an incredible opportunity to tackle challenging problems spanning OS integration, SoC and CPU micro-architecture analysis, and hardware-software co-design that directly impacts every Apple device.

Description

Design and implement sophisticated hardware-assisted tracing infrastructure that forms the backbone of Apple's performance and debugging ecosystem. You'll collaborate closely with silicon designers, kernel engineers, and developer tools teams to create capabilities that push the boundaries of what's possible in system introspection. This role offers unique opportunities to work at the intersection of hardware and software, where your contributions will enable breakthrough insights into system behavior across the entire Apple ecosystem.

Responsibilities

Architect and develop the advanced hardware tracing userspace library and kernel driver that enable unprecedented visibility into system performance and behavior. Pioneer new tracing methodologies through rapid prototyping and innovative experimentation. Drive cross-functional collaboration with hardware teams to influence next-generation silicon features and capabilities. Build robust, production-quality tools that scale across Apple's diverse hardware portfolio. Expand automated testing frameworks to ensure reliability across multiple device families and platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

Strong background in C++. Solid understanding of basic algorithms and data structures. Understanding of operating systems fundamentals (e.g. system calls, virtual memory, interrupts, processes, dynamic loader). Low-level software development experience (e.g. userspace library, kernel, firmware, or RTOS). Understanding of computer architecture fundamentals (e.g. RISC pipeline, cache coherency, branch prediction, virtual address translation). Familiarity with a scripting language (e.g. Python, bash). Debugging skills (e.g. LLDB or GDB). Excellent written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with trace mechanisms. Performance analysis and instrumentation. Compiler Development (e.g. LLVM). Familiarity with ARM architecture and instruction sets. Static/dynamic program analysis. Security analysis. Reverse engineering.

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.

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.