Job Overview:
As a Software Engineer specializing in Linux Driver and Kernel Development at Apple, you will play a crucial role in developing Linux device drivers and user-land tests for sophisticated SoCs, working closely with designers and architects to understand functional IP blocks and their use-cases. Your responsibilities will include implementing BSP and software bringup on pre and post-silicon platforms, debugging and root-causing hardware and software issues, all while ensuring high-quality functional products reach millions of customers quickly. This role requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 3 years of relevant industry experience in silicon validation software engineering or a related field, with preferred qualifications including deep knowledge of Linux kernel internals, ARM architecture, and extensive device driver development experience.
>> View full job details on Apple’s official website.
Resume and Interview Tips:
When tailoring your resume for this position at Apple, it’s essential to highlight your hands-on experience with Linux kernel and driver development, specifically for ARM-based SoCs. Emphasize your contributions to embedded Linux projects, detailing your role in developing or maintaining device drivers for subsystems like USB, graphics, or power management. Showcase your debugging skills in kernel context and any experience with silicon validation, as these are critical for the role. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as improvements in system performance or successful debugging of complex issues. Additionally, mention any experience with user-space API development or porting Linux distributions, as these skills are highly valued. Make sure to list your proficiency in C programming prominently, as it is a core requirement. Your resume should reflect not only technical expertise but also your ability to collaborate with hardware teams to understand IP blocks and use cases.
For the interview, expect deep technical questions focused on Linux kernel internals and device driver development. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ARM architecture and how you’ve debugged kernel-level issues in past projects. Interviewers will likely probe your understanding of process scheduling, memory management, and concurrency in the Linux kernel, so review these topics thoroughly. Practical coding exercises in C may be part of the interview, so brush up on your skills and be ready to write clean, efficient code on the spot. Additionally, be prepared to walk through your approach to silicon validation, including how you design user-land tests to exercise SoC subsystems. Demonstrating your problem-solving process and ability to collaborate with hardware teams will be key. Remember, Apple values innovation and attention to detail, so articulate how your work aligns with their mission of delivering groundbreaking products.