Software Systems Engineer - Apple Maps (Navigation & Core Frameworks)
Apple Maps is seeking experienced client-side software systems engineers to help build and maintain the core and navigation frameworks that power location-based services across Apple platforms. This role spans critical components like navigation, routing, geolocation, and background services - and is ideal for engineers who thrive working close to the OS, love solving system-level problems, and have a strong foundation in native programming. Our team supports Apple Maps across all major platforms, including iPhone, iPad, CarPlay, WATCH, TV, macOS, and Vision Pro. If you enjoy building performant, memory-efficient frameworks and daemons that integrate deeply with the OS - and want to help shape the future of Apple's location experience - we'd love to hear from you.
Description As a Software Systems Engineer on the Maps Frameworks team, you'll work on foundational services that support key location features used across Apple's ecosystem - from Navigation and Search to ETA, Map Tiles, and Location Services. Your responsibilities will include: * Designing and developing APIs, frameworks, daemons, and internal protocols to power geolocation and navigation experiences * Building scalable, memory- and CPU-efficient systems that run across iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and more * Working in Objective-C and Swift in a performance-sensitive, embedded environment * Writing production-level code with deep attention to threading, memory management, and concurrency * Collaborating with cross-functional teams across Apple to expose internal functionality through secure and stable system APIs * Debugging at all levels of the OS stack and integrating with performance and test automation infrastructure This is a systems-level role - not a UI or web development position. You'll be contributing to the underlying frameworks and services that internal and third-party apps rely on.
Minimum Qualifications
? 5+ years of experience in software systems engineering, ideally on Unix-based or embedded platforms
? Strong proficiency in native, compiled languages such as Objective-C, Swift, C++, C
? Experience developing and shipping client-side frameworks, daemons, or APIs
? Deep understanding of systems programming concepts: concurrency, threading, memory/resource management, and performance tuning
? Prior experience delivering production-quality software and collaborating across engineering, product, and design teams
? Familiarity with version control and development tools such as Git, Xcode, and performance analyses tools such as Instruments
Preferred Qualifications
? BS or MS in Computer Science
? Experience designing and implementing protocols, IPC mechanisms, and Protocol Buffers
? Background in networking, location services, or geospatial data handling
? Strong debugging skills across the OS stack (from framework to daemon)
? Experience with Shell scripting, Python, SQL
? Experience with performance tuning in mobile or embedded environments (CPU, memory, network, power optimizations)
? Familiarity with Apple's development ecosystem (iOS/macOS/watchOS/tvOS)
? Experience working with automated test infrastructure and validating systems in a CI pipeline
Pay & Benefits 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 $143,100 and $264,200, 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 take affirmative action to ensure 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.
