Principal Software Engineer - Maps Search
Apple
Software Engineering
Cupertino, CA, USA
USD 212k-318,400 / year + Equity
Posted on Mar 17, 2026
Are you passionate about building software that will be used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide? Do you enjoy devising simple yet elegant solutions to complex global problems? The Maps Search Platform and Services team is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help deploy new Search Platforms and Services which empower Maps Core Search, Autocomplete, and other unique Search features within Apple Maps.
As a Principal Software Engineer in the Apple Maps team, you’ll be instrumental in contributing to both the search platform and the product itself. You’ll have the opportunity to innovate on the search platforms, crafting elegant solutions within distributed systems. Collaborating closely with development and product teams, you’ll build seamless solutions that work across the entire Apple ecosystem. Additionally, you’ll participate in design and code reviews, working alongside engineers and QA to deliver a high-quality search experience to our customers.
- Hands-on technical leadership on multiple fronts such as architecture, development, code reviews, and operations.
- Own and drive multiple critical work streams, which includes vision/direction setting, overseeing the overall planning and execution toward clear objectives with measurable key results.
- Conduct deep-dives on product design and architecture, in collaboration with various engineering teams and having a direct impact on product development.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent practical experience
- plus at least 12 years of hands-on software engineering and systems architecture experience.
- Proven experience in building search related services.
- Expertise in one or more modern programming languages, such as Java, C++, Python.
- Experience on collecting high-level requirements and translating them into pragmatic solutions.
- Demonstrated success in working with cross-functional teams including parters, product management, business teams.
- Solid interpersonal and communications skills, with proven ability to translate complex technical concepts and roadmaps to diverse audiences.
- Master’s or PhD in Computer Science or related fields
- Understanding of search indexing and ranking algorithms
- Experience in high throughput, low latency distributed systems.
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