Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS

Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Apple Inc.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop system software for Apple’s operating systems and tackle complex technical challenges.
  • Company: Join Apple, a leader in innovation with a diverse and collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, remote work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology while shaping the future of cloud computing.
  • Qualifications: Experience with UNIX-like systems and proficiency in C, Objective-C, or Swift required.

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 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 a strong commitment to employee growth, mentorship, and inclusivity, Apple provides ample opportunities for you to develop your skills and advance your career in a supportive atmosphere.

Apple Inc.

Contact Detail:

Apple Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS

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 just get your foot in the door.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve worked on any relevant projects, make sure to have them ready to discuss. Whether it’s a GitHub repo or a personal project, being able to demonstrate your experience with UNIX-like systems and programming languages will set you apart.

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 your interview process.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to tackle those complex technical challenges.

We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Darwin Server, Core OS

UNIX-like Systems
Operating Systems Architecture
Systems Programming Fundamentals
C Programming
Objective-C
Swift
Cloud Computing Infrastructure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Technology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for system software and operating systems shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely excited about the challenges and innovations in the field.

Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience with UNIX-like systems and any relevant programming languages like C, Objective-C, or Swift. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Darwin Server team. Remember, less is often more!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Inc.

Know Your UNIX Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UNIX-like systems. Be prepared to discuss how operating systems work at a fundamental level, and be ready to dive into specifics about system architecture and programming fundamentals. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them practically.

Showcase Your Coding Skills

Since fluency in languages like C, Objective-C, or Swift is crucial, practice coding problems related to systems programming. You might be asked to solve a problem on the spot, so being comfortable with algorithms and data structures will help you shine. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or contributions to open-source technologies!

Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Approach

Be ready to discuss how you tackle complex technical challenges. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you identified a problem, designed a solution, and implemented it successfully. This will highlight your ability to think critically and innovatively, which is key for the Darwin Server team.

Emphasise Collaboration and Mentorship

The role values diverse perspectives and collaboration, so be sure to share experiences where you’ve worked in teams or mentored others. Talk about how you support your colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment. This will demonstrate that you align with their culture of learning and growth.