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Photos Backend Systems Engineer

Apple

Apple

Software Engineering
Cupertino, CA, USA
USD 147,400-272,100 / year + Equity
Posted on Oct 16, 2025
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The Photos Backend team is responsible for building innovative on-device and cloud services to improve the user’s photo and video experiences. We shape the next generation of media for Apple and contribute to a product that is redefining the Camera and Photos experience for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.
Do you want to shape the future of Photos? Are you looking to contribute to a product that is redefining digital photography? The Photos Infrastructure team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to develop innovative applications and infrastructure for Apple platforms. In this position you will be involved in features that encompass: video & image processing, database programming, performance profiling, concurrent multi-process architectures, privacy & security initiatives, and managing network based assets. You will be joining a highly cross functional team that partners closely with many teams across Apple. Within a release there's a close collaboration with teams ranging from: Photos UI, Camera Foundation, CoreOS, AVFoundation & ImageIO, Privacy & Security, Internet Technologies, System Intelligence & Machine Learning, and iCloud. Amongst our most important partners are third party developers who provide great customer experiences by accessing our on-device services through the PhotoKit API.
  • Develop APIs and frameworks (particularly PhotoKit) that enable third-party developers to integrate with Apple's photo ecosystem
  • Conduct performance profiling and tuning for memory usage, scheduling, I/O operations, and networking protocols
  • Optimize database queries and media processing algorithms to ensure smooth user experiences at scale
  • Support the development of innovative features that leverage the tight hardware-software integration of Apple devices
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or equivalent degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience
  • Strong foundation in computer science fundamentals
  • Demonstrable experience with at least one of: C/C++ programming, Assembly language, Operating systems development, Compiler work, Inter-process communication (IPC), or Media transformations
  • Experience developing and testing embedded systems with an understanding of resource constrained environments
  • Experience building APIs or software frameworks
  • Database design and query optimization with any relational database experience (SQLite, PostgreSQL, SQL, Core Data)
  • Experience with performance tuning in any area (Memory, I/O, scheduling, network protocols)
  • Experience with digital media processing, including image/video manipulation, format conversion, or media pipeline development
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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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.

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