At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop system software for Apple’s operating systems and tackle complex technical challenges.
- Company: Join a diverse and innovative team at Apple, a leader in technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on mentorship and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technologies that power Apple’s cloud services.
- Qualifications: Experience with UNIX-like systems and programming in C, Objective-C, or Swift.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Darwin Server team in Core OS is looking for enthusiastic engineers interested in developing system software for Apple’s operating systems. Darwin is the UNIX-like foundation at the heart of all Apple’s operating systems, stretching from the kernel up through low-level user components. The Darwin Server team is responsible for ensuring this foundation is adaptable for use in server environments, such as with the Private Cloud Compute service that powers Apple Intelligence.
In this role, you’ll have an opportunity to dive into complex technical challenges, shaping OS architecture and design of cross‑functional features, actively influencing our technical direction. We are seeking candidates who are eager to learn, tackle new problems, and drive innovation through their work, while actively mentoring and supporting each other in our quest to learn and grow as technical leaders. Our environment values diverse perspectives, ideas, and collaborative styles, with the goal of creating opportunities for everyone to thrive and grow.
You will be responsible for working on a range of technologies that form the foundation of Apple’s operating systems, with a focus on improving these technologies for use in server and cloud environments. Projects you work on as part of the Darwin Server team could include:
- Building technologies to enable server application packaging and distribution (like OCI images or Flatpak)
- Enabling Darwin to be integrated with cloud management and orchestration technologies (similar to cloud-init or Kubernetes)
- Improving Darwin’s support for observability at scale (e.g., OpenTelemetry)
- Developing new security or privacy features to improve Private Cloud Compute
An engineer on the Darwin Server team would regularly:
- Participate in all phases of the software development cycle: from problem definition and design, through implementation, testing, and debugging
- Work with client teams to build the features required for Darwin to meet their development and product requirements
- Partner with technology owners throughout Apple to enable their technologies for use in server environments
- Engage cross‑functionally to effect technical change across Apple
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience with UNIX‑like systems
- Strong understanding of operating systems architecture and systems programming fundamentals
- Fluent in any of the following programming languages: C, Objective‑C, or Swift
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience building operating system infrastructure to support cloud computing
- Experience with system daemon, library development, or API design
- Efficiency in scripting, data analysis, and automation using Python, shell, or other scripting languages
- Practical understanding of security principles, concepts, and techniques (e.g., certificates, software signing, attestation)
- Ability to systematically troubleshoot issues across the entire technology stack
- Perspective on how successful teams build and operate cloud technologies
- Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as Darwin, FreeBSD, Linux, etc.
- Passion for raising the bar for privacy and security in cloud computing
- BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent knowledge and experience
At Apple, we’re not all the same. And that’s our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we’ve experienced and how we think. Because to create products that serve everyone, we believe in including everyone. Therefore, we are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally. As a registered Disability Confident employer, we will work with applicants to make any reasonable accommodations. Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal backgrounds in a manner consistent with applicable law.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS in London employer: Apple Inc.
Apple is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation thrives. As part of the Darwin Server team, you'll engage with cutting-edge technologies while collaborating with diverse teams that value your unique perspectives. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to inclusivity, Apple empowers you to shape the future of operating systems and cloud computing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Apple, especially those in the Darwin Server team. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve worked on relevant projects, create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your work. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in UNIX-like systems and programming languages.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your systems programming fundamentals. Practice coding challenges that focus on operating systems architecture, as these are likely to come up during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Apple.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with UNIX-like systems and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in C, Objective-C, or Swift. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the Darwin Server team and share specific examples of how you've tackled complex technical challenges. Let us know why you're excited about the opportunity to work on Apple’s operating systems.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any open source projects or have experience with cloud technologies, make sure to include them in your application. We love seeing practical examples of your work, especially if they relate to server environments or security features!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Inc.
✨Know Your UNIX Inside Out
Since the role focuses on UNIX-like systems, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of operating systems architecture. Be prepared to discuss your experience with system programming and how it relates to the Darwin Server team’s goals.
✨Showcase Your Coding Skills
Fluency in C, Objective-C, or Swift is crucial. Bring examples of your past projects or contributions that highlight your coding abilities, especially those related to server environments or cloud technologies.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to dive into complex technical problems during the interview. Practice explaining your thought process when tackling issues, and be ready to discuss how you've approached similar challenges in the past.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Mentorship
The Darwin Server team values diverse perspectives and collaboration. Share experiences where you’ve worked in teams, mentored others, or contributed to open-source projects, showcasing your ability to support and learn from your peers.
