Software Engineer - Systems (DFT Initiative)

This is an opportunity to develop software tools that control and automate hardware testing. You'll work on designing & building maintainable software that directly interfaces with test hardware and equipment. This isn't high-level application software—it's hands-on software engineering focused on creating tools that manage the actual execution of hardware tests.

If you enjoy hands-on software development with clear real-world impact, and you're interested in the intersection of software and hardware testing, this role offers meaningful work with tangible results.

Developing software components that manage testing workflows, test scheduling, result tracking, and data analysis
Writing clean, maintainable code using solid design principles and best practices
Working with data models that represent test configurations, results, and metadata, ensuring correctness and reasonable performance
Building or integrating APIs that connect DFT systems with other engineering tools
Creating scripts and configuration interfaces using Lua that allow test engineers to define and modify test scenarios
Collaborating with hardware engineers and test specialists to understand requirements and implement effective solutions
Contributing to code reviews and sharing knowledge with team members

BS EE or CS
7+ years experience
Understanding of software design principles including design patterns, separation of concerns, and writing maintainable code
Proficiency in C++ for systems-level development and integration
Proficiency in one higher-level programming language such as Python or similar for application-level development
Proficiency in one scripting language (Lua preferred)
Experience in designing databases
Solid grasp of object-oriented design principles including encapsulation, polymorphism, inheritance hierarchies
Ability to read and interpret schematics to understand circuit behavior and identify relevant test points
Understanding of server-client architecture and socket programming for building networked test systems

Basic understanding of electrical engineering concepts including voltage, current, digital logic fundamentals, and signal integrity—enough to understand hardware constraints and test requirements
Ability to read and interpret schematics to understand circuit behavior and identify relevant test points
Practical familiarity with Objective-C code, able to read and work with existing Objective-C implementations
Familiarity with Linux user space applications, including system calls, process management, inter-process communication, and performance profiling
Strong problem-solving skills with an ability to decompose complex systems into manageable components
Quickly adapting to different code bases and technologies to identify and implement effective software solutions across our testing infrastructure
Experience with test automation or testing frameworks
Knowledge of hardware-software co-design considerations
Interest in exploring AI applications in testing and automation

Are you interested in working on tools and software that directly enable hardware validation? Our Hardware Test Engineering team is evolving our Design for Test (DFT) methodology, and we're building the software infrastructure to support it effectively.

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

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.

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Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.