Software Development Engineer (SDE)

Apple

Apple

Software Engineering

San Diego, CA, USA

USD 120,300-210,100 / year + Equity

Posted on Apr 29, 2026
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The Software Platform team within Hardware Test Engineering (HWTE) is seeking a Software Design Engineer to design and develop software for Apple’s new product introductions (NPI). This engineer will collaborate closely with other HWTE Software Platform team members and cross-functional teams to ensure the success of current and future Apple products. The HWTE Software Platform team owns various projects, including tools for enabling calibration and testing of NPI products, systems that restore software on each device shipped to customers, and algorithms for image processing for product calibration and testing.
As part of the Software Platform team, you will be responsible for writing and designing software tools used by algorithm developers and factory station software engineers responsible for implementing test sequences for testing hardware in the factory. You will work closely with system design leads to understand the software needs for factory test stations and develop software solutions and plugins for instruments used on the station to enable hardware testing of Apple products. Additionally, you will be involved in taking the existing implementation of the algorithm in C++ and writing unit tests using XCTest in Xcode. You will also write smoke and regression tests using your knowledge of Lua and Python. You will collaborate closely with algorithm developers to identify parts of the code that require stress testing and apply various methodologies, such as performance testing, integration testing, and fuzz testing. Furthermore, you will leverage machine learning and LLMs to automatically generate tests for complex parts of the software, ensuring robust coverage based on analysis.
  • Designing new software systems and maintaining existing software systems.
  • Triaging and diagnosing issues with a cross-functional team from diverse engineering backgrounds.
  • Working with internal teams at Apple and external vendors to develop better solutions and processes.
  • Collaborating with algorithm developers to support the implementation of new tests.
  • Setting up automated testing for continuous integration using the existing internal infrastructure.
  • Hosting and migrating algorithm pipelines on the continuous integration platform.
  • Debugging build failures in CI/CT ( Continuous Integration / Continuous Test )
  • Adding new features to the test framework to handle new use cases.
  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience
  • Strong command of C/C++ and an object-oriented language
  • Experience with white box testing
  • Experience with Xcode and macOS
  • Experience with Lua and Python development
  • Knowledge of image processing and algorithm design
  • Understanding of DSP
  • Up to 10% international travel
  • MS in Computer Science or equivalent experience
  • Experience with machine learning and LLMs
  • Experience with performance analysis, stress tests, and scalability assessments
  • Experience with telemetry, critical metrics, and data-driven decision-making
  • Experience crafting tests with complex systems and quickly evolving test environments
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 $120,300 and $210,100, 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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