Sr. Privacy Systems Software Engineer, Sensing & Connectivity

You will design, implement, and debug production systems in C, Objective-C, and Swift that power privacy controls across Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, Apple TV, and HomePod). Your work will span architecting permission frameworks, strengthening privacy architecture against evolving threat vectors, and building foundational components that operate across operating systems.

A critical part of this role is tackling the new privacy challenges introduced by generative AI technologies. You will work on problems like controlling how on-device models and intelligent features access sensitive user data; designing permission and consent frameworks for AI-driven workflows; enforcing data minimization and sandboxing for on-device AI models; and building privacy-preserving on-device inference into our systems from the ground up. These are emerging challenges at the forefront of the industry.

Proficiency in C, Objective-C, C++, or Swift
Experience designing system-level APIs and background daemons
Strong Unix-like systems programming knowledge
Experience building reliable daemons with robust lifecycle management
Experience designing fault-tolerant error handling for long-running system daemons
Clear technical communication skills

5+ years professional software engineering experience
- System architecture design experience for privacy or security software
- Cross-functional technical leadership experience
- macOS or Unix systems programming background
Full software development lifecycle experience
Relational database and local storage design familiarity
Practical experience using generative AI tools in an engineering workflow (e.g., AI-assisted code generation, LLM-powered debugging)
Ability to reason about the privacy and data-access implications of machine learning systems at the systems level
Experience with responsible AI development practices, including AI safety, privacy-preserving machine learning, or designing guardrails and safety mechanisms for intelligent features

Apple's privacy engineering team is responsible for designing and enforcing the controls that keep user data protected across every Apple platform. As generative AI and intelligent features reshape how people interact with technology, the expectations for privacy engineering are evolving rapidly. We are looking for exceptional systems engineers who want to define how privacy works in an AI-driven world -- ensuring that powerful new capabilities never come at the cost of user trust.

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 $139,500 and $258,100, 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.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.