Job Overview:
The Senior Systems Software Engineer at Apple’s Hardware division will develop and maintain critical software for characterizing, calibrating, and testing new hardware, working closely with cross-functional teams including Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, and Contract Manufacturing partners. Key responsibilities include solving complex hardware-software integration problems, developing applications and frameworks, maintaining manufacturing software running on millions of devices, and supporting hardware production both locally and remotely. The role requires expertise in C++/Objective-C/Swift, Unix/Linux/macOS development, and hardware-software debugging, along with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Preferred qualifications include experience with embedded systems, distributed applications, and scripting languages like Python or Lua.
>> View full job details on Apple’s official website.
Resume and Interview Tips:
When tailoring your resume for this Senior Systems Software Engineer position at Apple, focus on highlighting your hands-on experience with hardware-software integration and debugging. Start with a strong summary that showcases your years of experience in systems software engineering and your expertise in the required programming languages (C++/Objective-C/Swift). Detail specific projects where you developed or maintained software for hardware testing or manufacturing, emphasizing any work with Unix/Linux/macOS systems. Include metrics where possible, such as the scale of devices impacted or efficiency improvements achieved. Don’t forget to mention any experience with embedded systems or hardware interfaces like I2C/USB/PCIe, as these are key differentiators for this role. Your resume should also demonstrate your ability to work cross-functionally – consider including examples of collaboration with hardware teams or contract manufacturers. For the education section, ensure your CS/CE/EE degree is prominently displayed along with any relevant certifications.
For the interview preparation, expect deep technical questions about your experience with hardware-software integration and debugging. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you’ve faced in developing systems software and how you solved them, particularly in Unix/Linux/macOS environments. Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly, as communication skills are explicitly listed in the requirements. Prepare examples of how you’ve worked with cross-functional teams, as this role involves heavy collaboration with hardware engineers and manufacturing partners. You might be asked to whiteboard solutions for system-level problems or debug scenarios, so brush up on your low-level programming skills. Since travel is required, be prepared to discuss your flexibility for on-site support. The interviewers will likely assess your problem-solving approach, so structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your thought process clearly. Research Apple’s current hardware products and manufacturing processes to show your understanding of their ecosystem.