Software Engineer - Embedded Debug Tools, Core OS

Apple

Apple

Software Engineering

Cupertino, CA, USA

Posted on Apr 15, 2026
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Are you a big-picture problem solver who loves setting bold goals? Do you have a passion for understanding how each line of code affects all the others? In the Core Operating Systems group ensuring the OS is inseparable from each device’s identity as a whole. That’s because this group is committed to building fully integrated operating systems that combine hardware, software, and apps into a single Apple experience. Your dedication to cross-disciplinary collaboration will help develop groundbreaking technologies, such as iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. By crafting these distinct, multidisciplinary user experiences, you’ll continue to uphold and advance the excellence people expect from Apple devices. The Core OS software team is looking for an especially talented SW engineer for the Embedded Debug Tools team. Apple uses its own internally developed SWD/JTAG solution and SW tools for all Apple Silicon product debugging. Working on this core technology will give you the opportunity to have a major impact on the success of Apple's iOS, watchOS, macOS based products. Your contributions will help turn this toolset into a world-class debugging solution.
You will architect and develop scalable software solutions with the main objective of improving the silicon and low level software debugging process. Your work will involve system level software development with interactions with the following components: daemons, networking and multi-threading. You will help identify insufficiencies in the debugger and provide solutions to improve the development process for low level software including XNU and Apple's Real-Time Operating System Frameworks. You will work with peers and key individuals in HW architecture, emulation, and software to identify requirements and develop plans for future silicon debug solutions. You will be involved in all development phases from architecture, to pre-silicon emulation, to silicon bring up and to already shipped systems. May help to triage silicon and debugger interactions to identify potential HW bugs or HW insufficiencies.
  • Proficient in C/C++ and Python
  • Working with low level SW and HW interaction.
  • Experience working with low level SW protocols for HW interaction.
  • Knowledge of hardware architecture - SoCs, CPU, GPU
  • Demonstrated creative, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills
  • Highly professional, with the ability to deliver solid work on tight schedules
  • Excellent collaboration skills
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication
  • Experience with SWD/JTAG and other debuggers ARMv8 architecture knowledge
  • Understanding of operating system fundamentals
  • Knowledge of ARM's DAP architecture and JTAG
  • Experience developing tools for others
  • Experience developing debug tools
  • Experience with HW debugging
  • Experience with LLDB and/or GDB
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.

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