OS Kernel Engineer

Apple

Posted 3 months ago

Full Time

Cupertino, California

In Person

Smart Summary

Responsibilities

Contribute to the development of the Darwin Scheduler kernel, focusing on CPU scheduling, power management, and threading models. Work across the stack from silicon behavior to user experience to enhance Apple's operating system performance.

Qualifications

You have a BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with coursework or project experience in operating systems and systems programming. You are proficient in C and/or C++ and possess a solid understanding of fundamental computer science concepts like data structures, algorithms, and memory management. Eagerness to learn and strong analytical skills are essential for tackling complex kernel engineering challenges.

Must Have Skills for ATS

C++

C

operating systems

systems programming

computer architecture

data structures

algorithms

memory management

OS internals

scheduling algorithms

concurrency

SMP

threading models

lock-free data structures

performance profiling tools

low-level debugging

open-source OS

Job Description

The Darwin Scheduler team within Apple's OS organization is responsible for delivering a high-quality and performant kernel that powers every Apple product — from Apple Watch on your wrist, to iPhone in your pocket, to the Mac driving the creative industry. We work on foundational technology areas such as CPU scheduling, power management, and threading models that are central to everyday life for billions of people. We are looking for a talented new graduate or junior engineer to join us and contribute to the next generation of Apple's operating system. As a member of a small, technically integrated team, you will have a unique opportunity to influence the entire stack — from silicon behavior to user experience — on the world's most advanced and widely used devices.

Description


As a junior OS Kernel Engineer on the Darwin Scheduler team, you will work alongside experienced engineers to learn, contribute, and grow your skills in low-level systems programming. You will be supported through mentorship and paired work as you begin to take on real-world kernel engineering challenges across Apple's platforms. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who is passionate about systems software, eager to understand how hardware and software interact, and excited to write code that runs on hundreds of millions of devices.

Minimum Qualifications


BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent (graduating or recently graduated) Coursework or project experience in operating systems, systems programming, or computer architecture Proficiency in C and/or C++ Solid understanding of fundamental computer science concepts: data structures, algorithms, and memory management Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Eagerness to learn and ability to ramp up quickly on complex technical topics

Preferred Qualifications


MS or PhD in Computer Science or a related field Coursework or hands-on experience with OS internals, scheduling algorithms, or concurrency Familiarity with SMP (symmetric multiprocessing), threading models, or lock-free data structures Experience with performance profiling tools or low-level debugging Contributions to open-source OS or systems projects Internship or research experience in systems software

Apple

We’re a diverse collective of thinkers and doers, continually reimagining what’s possible to help us all do what we love in new ways. And the same innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices — strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. This is where your work can make a difference in people’s lives. Including your own. Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. Visit apple.com/careers to learn more.
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