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Security Software Engineer, Data Protection

Apple
Cupertino, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/26/2026
Summary

Embedded within Apple’s Security Engineering & Architecture organization, the Data Protection team’s mission is to ensure the confidentiality of our user’s data at rest, by using Apple’s hardware and software to deliver world-class storage encryption and device unlock mechanisms. At the heart of an organization that builds the most secure operating system in the world and putting it in the hands of millions of customers, the team is looking for a motivated software engineer to help push its technologies to the next level!

Description

You will join a team that provides operating system security foundations across all of Apple’s innovative products, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. You will contribute to the entire system, from the kernel up through libraries, frameworks, and applications. As an engineer, you will have the opportunity to majorly impact the design and implementation of Apple’s embedded and desktop operating system products, collaborating closely with all other security partners, ranging from our Silicon Engineering group to our Cloud Services group. Successful candidates will be capable of tackling challenging wide-ranging engineering problems anywhere in the software stack, determining the appropriate compromise between several often competing factors such as ease of use, performance, and of course security.

In This Role You Will

Help define the security properties and architecture for the next-generation operating system

Design and implement new approaches to user data protection, storage encryption, and trusted execution environments to help protect our customers’ data while preserving ease-of-use and enabling Apple to develop one of the richest platforms on the market.

Come up with new and innovative ways of increasing security and privacy while preserving ease-of-use and improving the quality of the user experience

Work cooperatively with other parts of Apple on multi-functional technologies and initiatives to enhance security

Drive adoption of these technologies across the organization

Minimum Qualifications

  • Excellent C and systems programming skills
  • Strong understanding of operating systems internals
  • Industry exposure to and knowledge of OS security and applied cryptography
  • Ability to deliver solid work on tight schedules
  • Excellent teamwork skills. We work with all engineering teams involved in these products, and on all of their code

Preferred Qualifications

  • Understanding of past, current, and emerging security exploits
  • iOS and macOS exposure (end user, administrator, developer)
  • Kernel programming
  • Hypervisor design and architecture
  • Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as FreeBSD and Linux

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 $126,800 and $220,900, 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 accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

Salary : $126,800 - $220,900

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