Prototyping Systems Engineer - Platform Architecture

About the job

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job, and there's no telling what we can accomplish together.

Our Platform Architecture group is responsible for connecting our hardware, software, and intelligence into one unified system, building core technologies that work across all disciplines. Join this team, and you’ll develop forward-looking prototype systems and experiences in collaboration with engineers and designers across Apple. We take daring, revolutionary ideas and turn them into reality. You and your team will apply engineering fundamentals, embrace emerging AI capabilities, and start from scratch if need be. Together, our work will lead to the intuitive technology experiences that Apple is known for worldwide.

The Platform Architecture systems prototyping team creates "livable prototypes": complete hardware and software product concepts that you can actually hold, interact with, and use in daily life, as opposed to isolated concept demonstrations. We are a small team of fearless, self-motivated, and curious generalists who love to make thoughtful, ambitious new things.

In this role, you will build end-to-end prototype systems from initial whiteboard sketches to working devices. Depending on the project, you might spend one week integrating custom sensors, edge compute modules, and real-time audio/video streams, and the next week wiring up local and cloud AI models or building an interactive user interface. Collaborating with hardware, silicon, software, and ML partners across Apple, you will combine technologies in new ways. Your curiosity will drive you to learn whatever you need to turn bold ideas into reality.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in CS, CE, EECS, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent industry experience)
• Experience designing and building software and computer systems
• Experience programming in one or more systems or application languages such as Swift, Rust, Python, C, C++, Go, or TypeScript
• Experience developing or integrating AI/ML models and services into software applications
• Experience interfacing software with hardware devices, sensors, or embedded platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years industry experience
• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related technical field
• Experience building applications with modern AI/ML capabilities (e.g., on-device or cloud LLMs, voice/audio processing, computer vision, or agentic workflows)
• Hands-on familiarity with embedded systems, edge devices (Apple platforms, NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, microcontrollers), and hardware interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, Serial, USB)
• Experience working across the full stack, from backend services and system software up to web or native UIs (e.g., React, TypeScript, WebGL, or SwiftUI)
• Track record of quickly learning unfamiliar hardware, software, and physical domains to solve complex problems

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 $184,700 and $277,600, 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.

EEO Statement

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

Accessibility

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.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.