The job posting is for a System Software Engineer position at Apple (Role Number: 200642314-3337), posted on January 16, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, under the Software and Services team (specifically tied to Cloud and Infrastructure / cloudOS team). It’s a full-time role with 40 weekly hours.
The core focus is on the cloudOS team, which handles all aspects of delivering operating systems and system services on Apple silicon servers. This includes pioneering hardware-software initiatives to support next-generation Apple silicon-based systems in data centers—think powering Apple’s cloud infrastructure for services like iCloud, Apple Intelligence features, and more behind the scenes.
This is an exciting opportunity for engineers passionate about low-level system software, server-scale OS development, and Apple’s custom silicon (like M-series chips adapted for cloud/data center environments). Apple is expanding its cloud capabilities with Apple silicon, moving beyond traditional Intel/AMD servers to more efficient, integrated solutions.
Why Join Apple’s cloudOS Team as a System Software Engineer?
Apple’s cloud infrastructure powers billions of users worldwide. By joining this team, you’d contribute to building the foundational OS layer for Apple silicon in the cloud—optimizing performance, security, power efficiency, and scalability for massive workloads. It’s a chance to work on cutting-edge tech where hardware and software are co-designed, similar to how macOS/iOS leverage Apple silicon but scaled for data centers.
If you’re experienced in system programming, OS internals, or server software, this role lets you shape the future of Apple’s cloud platform.
Key Responsibilities
While exact bullet-point responsibilities aren’t publicly detailed in summaries (Apple’s full postings often require browser access), typical duties for this type of role on cloudOS include:
- Designing, implementing, and optimizing system software and services for Apple silicon servers.
- Collaborating on hardware enablement and software-hardware co-design for new data center systems.
- Developing kernel-level features, drivers, virtualization support, boot processes, or low-level services.
- Improving performance, reliability, security, and efficiency for cloud-scale deployments.
- Debugging complex system issues across hardware-software boundaries.
- Partnering with hardware teams, cloud services engineers, and other groups to deliver robust OS foundations.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
Apple typically looks for strong technical foundations in system software roles. Based on similar recent Apple system software positions (e.g., OS and system services roles requiring C/C++ proficiency, OS knowledge), expect these minimum qualifications:
- Multiple years (often 4+ years) of software engineering experience, especially in systems programming.
- Proficiency in C and C++ (core for OS/kernel work).
- Deep understanding of operating systems, firmware, device drivers, or low-level software.
- Experience with performance optimization, debugging, and system-level tools.
Preferred qualifications often include:
- Background in server hardware, data center environments, or cloud infrastructure.
- Knowledge of virtualization technologies, ARM architecture (since Apple silicon is ARM-based), or power/thermal management.
- Experience with large-scale distributed systems or cloud OS adaptations.
- Bachelor’s or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Apple values innovative problem-solvers who thrive in collaborative, high-impact environments.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re excited about building the OS foundation for Apple’s cloud future with Apple silicon, this Seattle-based role is a prime opportunity. Head to the official Apple Careers page to submit your resume and learn more: System Software Engineer – Role 200642314-3337.
Job Source – https://jobs.apple.com/en-us/details/200642314-3337/system-software-engineer?team=SFTWR