Job Overview:
The Senior Systems Software Engineer at Apple’s Hardware division will develop and maintain software for characterizing, calibrating, and testing new hardware, working closely with cross-functional teams including Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, and Operations. Responsibilities include solving complex problems, developing applications and frameworks, maintaining critical manufacturing software, and reviewing hardware test specifications, requiring expertise in C++/Objective-C/Swift and Unix/Linux/macOS development, as well as potential travel up to 25% for production support.
>> View full job details on Apple’s official website.
Resume and Interview Tips:
When tailoring your resume for the Senior Systems Software Engineer position at Apple, focus on highlighting your expertise in systems software development, particularly your experience with C++/Objective-C/Swift and Unix/Linux/macOS environments. Emphasize any projects where you’ve developed drivers or applications for hardware testing, as well as your ability to debug complex systems. If you have experience with embedded systems or interfaces like I2C, USB, or PCIe, make sure to detail these skills prominently. Your resume should also showcase your cross-functional collaboration skills, as this role involves working with multiple teams. Quantify your impact where possible, such as the scale of software you’ve maintained or the efficiency improvements you’ve driven in hardware testing processes.
During the interview, expect to discuss your technical expertise in depth, particularly your experience with systems software and hardware-software integration. Be prepared to walk through specific projects where you’ve solved complex problems or developed critical software for hardware testing. The interviewer will likely assess your ability to debug across different levels of an operating system, so review your past debugging experiences and methodologies. Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, you may also be asked about your communication skills and how you’ve worked with hardware engineers or manufacturing teams. Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely, and be ready to discuss how you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. If you have experience with Python, Lua, or Bash, be prepared to discuss how you’ve used these in your work, as they are preferred qualifications.