Data Systems Engineer
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In SSP Data, our mission is to power the technological and design aspirations of the best products in the world through Data, while championing quality, privacy, safety, and an ethical experience. We are seeking a highly-motivated Data Systems Engineer to design and build custom data collection rigs serving a variety of core Apple technologies. You'll work at the intersection of hardware, software, and data collection operations. Your ground-up platforms will address future data needs and modalities. This role demands strong engineering fundamentals: first-principles problem solving, the ability to move from concept to working prototype, and an understanding of your final customer.
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Description
A successful Data Systems Engineer will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills grounded in engineering fundamentals and hardware/software integration experience. You will build custom engineering rigs and optimize end-to-end system performance across our data infrastructure. This role requires technical depth across multiple disciplines, comfort working from first principles, and judgment about when to build custom solutions versus leveraging existing systems.","responsibilities":"Designing and developing custom hardware/software systems for data collection (e.g., mobile ground truth rigs, multi-sensor capture platforms, time synchronization systems)
Integrating sensors, synchronization systems, and custom instrumentation
Debugging and resolving end-to-end issues spanning frontend software, data collection operations, and backend integration
Partnering with hardware, software engineering, and operations teams to optimize system performance
Contributing to hardware, software, and backend architecture decisions for data collection reliability
Translating current issues and gaps into prioritized improvement roadmaps
Evaluating sensor technologies and data architectures
Documenting end-to-end systems for operational handoff and knowledge sharing
Preferred Qualifications
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with hardware, software, and operations teams
Track record of taking projects from prototype to production handoff
Comfortable with ambiguity - defining problems while solving them
Experience with sensor integration/synchronization, timing systems, or custom instrumentation
Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Adaptable, with precise attention to detail and a strong work ethic
Understanding of networking fundamentals (troubleshooting packet loss, latency, reliability)
Background in computer vision, robotics, or metrology systems
Familiarity with embedded systems, thermal management, or power systems
Experience with controlled testing environments or lab instrumentation
Understanding of data quality metrics and validation frameworks
Background in data collection for ML/algorithm development
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Data Science, or similar and 5+ years of industry experience in hardware/software integration, sensor systems, or data platforms
Strong programming skills (in Python, C++, or similar) to control hardware
Experience debugging complex systems across hardware, software, and network layers
Systems thinking: ability to trace problems from sensor to database and identify root causes
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 .
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion
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