Security Software Engineer, Systems

Cupertino, CA

Summary

Posted: Mar 24, 2023

Role Number:200471280

The SPEAR team in Apple’s Security Engineering & Architecture organization is hiring a collaborative software security engineer with a drive to improve the security of end user devices. SPEAR is a dedicated team of software engineers that works on security hardening across all of Apple’s operating systems. We focus on projects ranging from surgical adoptions of memory safety technologies to wholesale refactors that reorient key system components to protect the security of our users’ devices. As a Security Software Engineer in SPEAR, you will gain hands-on experience securing a variety of low-level OS software. Your career development will be guided by training and mentorship in secure software development principles, kernel/firmware concepts, and cross-functional project execution. Your work will have a significant impact on the security of all of our users’ devices. As a result of the collective effort of dedicated engineers like yourself, Apple’s products are the most secure consumer devices on the market. Our mission is to continue to advance the state of the art of end user security. Our goal isn’t simply to be the most secure: we’re working to ensure the safety of every user’s digital life, even against the most malicious and well-resourced adversaries.

Key Qualifications

Strong interest in software security and a desire to develop your skills in that area
Experience or coursework in secure software development, vulnerability exploitation, or vulnerability mitigation
Experience or coursework developing software in low-level environments such as firmware, device drivers, kernel, or hypervisor
Familiarity with the security properties of compiled languages such as C, C++, Rust, or Swift
Understanding of vulnerability exploitation and mitigation techniques
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively about technical topics (verbal and written)
Enthusiasm to collaborate on challenging cross-functional projects

Description

Each project will involve solving unique challenges while handling the following core responsibilities: Gain familiarity with the implementation and security status of existing codebases. Contribute to the design of software security hardening projects. Projects can include memory safety technology adoption, mitigation deployment, sandboxing/isolation, refactoring, and other approaches as necessary. Update existing low-level software codebases as necessary to achieve project security goals using the most appropriate language, potentially including C, C++, or Swift. Implement project tests to cover relevant security properties, creating unit tests and collaborating with QA or fuzzing teams as necessary. Contribute to documentation and training materials required for partner team to maintain security properties going forward. Communicate empathetically and effectively during all project phases.

Education & Experience

BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering; or equivalent experience/skills

Additional Requirements

This role requires openness to new ways of approaching low-level software to achieve stronger security. While experience in these areas is not required, this could include use of memory safe languages, safer C++ abstractions, and C memory safety extensions.

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 $105,500 and $196,500 annualized, 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.

Company overview

Size

10000+ Employees

Founded

1976

Type

Company - Public

Industry

Computer Hardware Development

Sector

Information Technology

Revenue

$10+ billion (USD)

Apple ratings

4.2

Recommend to a friend
Approve of CEO
Tim Cook
8,242 Ratings

Career Opportunities
Comp & Benefits
Culture & Values
Senior Management
Work/Life Balance

Apple reviews by information security engineer

Pros

"Another great benefit of the job was the ability to visit any Apple store and see what their backstage looks like." (in 1312 reviews)
"Pay and stock options are good" (in 829 reviews)
"Most of management is great and very technical." (in 586 reviews)
"You get to meet some really great people with strong passions and can make lifelong friendships" (in 812 reviews)
"Good work life balance especially if your a student very accommodating to your school schedule" (in 702 reviews)

Cons

"You work the most with no benefit other than some experience, not guaranteed a position in that experience." (in 1312 reviews)
"Low pay for experience and tenure" (in 829 reviews)
"Bad management and some of the leaders" (in 586 reviews)
"bad people / customers and no healt care" (in 812 reviews)
"No work life balance (made you feel bad about taking time off for mental health reasons)" (in 702 reviews)

Apple – Why work with us

An open invitation to open minds.

Come to Apple, where thousands of individual imaginations gather together to pave the way to innovation.

Apple is where you'll work with others who share your passion. Where business serves expertise. When a healthy respect for courage and original thinking inspires you to bring your best to what we do together.

Learn more.

Apple benefits

4.5

3 Ratings

Employer summary

Discover even more benefits of doing what you love.

Apple’s most important resource, our soul, is our people. Apple benefits help further the well-being of our employees and their families in meaningful ways. No matter where you work at Apple, you can take advantage of our health and wellness resources and time-away programs. We’re proud to provide stock grants to employees at all levels of the company, and we also give employees the option to buy Apple stock at a discount – both offer everyone at Apple the chance to share in the company’s success. You’ll discover many more benefits of working at Apple, such as programs that match your charitable contributions, reimburse you for continuing your education, and give you special employee pricing on Apple products.

Note: Apple benefits programs vary by country and are subject to eligibility requirements.