The Runtime Tools team is looking for developers with a passion for memory and resource optimization to enhance, adapt, and innovate in creating tools for the next generation of software and hardware on Apple's platforms. Runtime Tools exist to understand how code runs, mapping the execution back to code and the system calls responsible. Memory is also an important and limited shared resource, making intelligent, developer-friendly tools critical for identifying optimization opportunities. Core responsibilities of the role include working with Apple's internal performance optimization engineers, Swift and Objective-C runtime teams, and frameworks teams to provide symbolication services and introspect memory usage across Apple's ecosystem.
This role is within Apple's Xcode group which encompasses more than just the IDE - providing tools like Instruments and CLI tools that allow dreamers, makers, and shapers to design, write, build, debug, profile, and deploy software for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Tools development is a uniquely rewarding area as the primary users are developers, making it an opportunity to influence and improve the productivity of developers and efficiency of Apps all across the world.

The Memory & Symbolication team primarily focuses on runtime analysis techniques to introspect running software and on-disk binaries to understand and improve them. The team is responsible for command-line tools like leaks, heap, vmmap, sample, atos, symbols, symbolication services and frameworks, Xcode's Memory Graph Debugger, and runtime libraries that improve the built-in debugging experience on Apple's platforms. These tools and services for process analysis are used on over a billion devices and by developers worldwide who make life-changing ideas a reality.

Description:

We're looking for developers who are passionate about making software better! Core interests should include areas such as profiling, optimization, reverse engineering, debugging, security, graph theory, and data visualization. You should have an interest in all levels of the system with the ability to connect OS concepts like virtual memory with language-level tools such as runtime reflection and Swift Concurrency.

With every new technology, framework, or product Apple releases there's a need for tools to help expose and explain important system behaviors. As a result, it's key that you have a strong passion for learning! You'll need to work effectively with Apple teams of different engineering disciplines, anticipate problems early, and communicate ideas clearly. You should be able to drive development projects independently, collaborating with other teams to innovate in solving engineering challenges, and iteratively develop solutions to novel and complex problems.","responsibilities":"Lead a team in innovating and improving the usefulness of Apple's core memory analysis tools

Support mission-critical symbolication technologies across Apple's ecosystem

Acquire deep understanding virtual memory, heap, and runtime data structures on Apple platforms

Present your work to developers across Apple or in larger forums like WWDC

Help investigate the impact of upcoming technologies on Apple's platforms and operating systems

Apply graph theory, binary analysis techniques, and AI to real-world runtime analysis problems!

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior engineering management experience

Problem solving and debugging skills with lldb, gdb, or other interactive tools

Experience using AI technologies to assist in authoring, reviewing, and debugging code

Skills in reverse engineering, exploit analysis, fuzzing, binary analysis tools helpful

Familiarity with macOS internals, mach APIs, sandboxing, and other security subsystems

History of designing, implementing, or improving development tools

Experience in computer science or a related field commensurate with a 4-year degree

If possible, we'd love to see an example of your relevant work, such as a personal project or open source contribution

If you believe you have relevant transferable skills not listed on this posting, please share that information via a Cover Letter

Minimum Qualifications:

5+ years macOS or iOS development experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Passion for leading other engineers, developing skills, and providing clear and actionable feedback

Ability to facilitate respectful, creative, and pragmatic, solution-focused technical discussions

Expertise in C or C++, proficiency in Swift and/or Objective-C

Strong operating systems background, understanding allocators, virtual memory, and process lifecycle

Detail-oriented code review skills, reasoning through edge cases and security implications

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant .

Pay & Benefits:

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $198,300 and $342,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.