Software Performance Engineer
San Diego, California, United States Software and Services Summary Posted:
Mar 26, 2025 Role Number:
At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Imagine what you could do here. Do you bring passion and dedication to your job? If so, we're looking for individuals like you.
Apple's Audio and Media Technologies group (AMT) is looking for a highly skilled Software Performance Engineer to join us. The Streaming Media team works on core technologies that power leading audio-visual experiences on Apple's platforms (iPhones/iPads, Apple TV, Apple Watch, macOS, and Vision Pro). Our team is also the creator of the HTTP Live Streaming protocol, one of the most successful adaptive bitrate streaming solutions in the industry. You will take part in designing groundbreaking features and experiences for future OS releases, and contribute to the advancement of video streaming technologies.
We are looking for a performance-oriented software engineer who can drive code optimizations across a sophisticated codebase as well as implement new innovative features with performance in mind from design until delivery.
Description As a Streaming Media Software Performance Engineer, you will be accountable for the following: Develop new Streaming Media features and partner closely with multi-functional teams throughout feature bring-up. Leverage analysis tools to identify top focus areas for performance optimizations. Deliver performance optimizations across new and existing code within the Streaming Media product. Collaborate with partners to orchestrate interdependent cross-interface code changes. Supply to overall media systems design and mentor junior engineers.
Minimum Qualifications - Strong software development experience in C with proficiency in multi-threaded development and synchronization primitives
- Excellent working knowledge of Operating Systems fundamentals (virtual memory, IPC, CPU scheduling, file system, IO management, application execution, etc.)
- Proven experience with modern profiling and analysis tools to implement code-level performance tuning, algorithm optimization, and latency reduction
- BS/MS in CS/CE or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications - Debugging and troubleshooting software issues using system profiling, network analysis tools (e.g., GDB/LLDB, Valgrind, Xcode Instruments, Wireshark, etc.,)
- Ability to create actionable insights from performance metrics and results
- Strong skills for understanding large system architectures
- Proven ability to work with a large multi-functional teams
- Ability to stay focused and prioritize a full workload while achieving extraordinary quality
- Value a diverse and inclusive work environment
- Development experience in Swift or Python is a plus.
- Knowledge of streaming protocols such as HLS, DASH, RTSP, RTP, etc. and media codecs, formats, transport protocols, is a plus.
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 $135,400 and $250,600, 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.
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 .
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 .
Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.
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