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GPU Kernel & Firmware Engineer - Graphics, Games, & ML

Today Cupertino, CA

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Description

Apple's GPU Software team which is a part of the Graphics, Games, & ML organization gives developers the tools and APIs to harness the power of the GPU across every Apple product - iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Mac. As part of the GPU Kernel/Firmware team, you'll help design and build the low-level software that powers graphics, machine learning, and compute experiences across our entire platform lineup.

The GPU Kernel/Firmware team builds the kernel and firmware drivers that connect the operating system to the GPU on every Apple product. As a system software engineer on this team, you'll design and build features spanning memory management, power management, asynchronous command processing, and error concealment for workloads ranging from games to machine learning to image processing. You'll apply deep knowledge of low-level system architecture to deliver reliable, high-performance drivers. You'll partner with a world-class team to integrate the kernel and firmware into the graphics platform, maximizing graphics and compute potential across iOS and macOS.

Responsibilities:

Drive hardware and software roadmap decisions for ML acceleration

Designs and builds kernel and firmware drivers for the GPU

Develops memory management features for GPU kernel and firmware

Implements power management capabilities across the GPU software stack

Builds asynchronous command processing systems for GPU workloads

Designs error concealment mechanisms to improve driver reliability

Partners with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate kernel and firmware into the graphics platform

Collaborates with engineers across Apple to maximize graphics and compute performance on iOS and macOS

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field

Experience with power management and control theory

Experience with GPU architecture or graphics/compute driver development

Minimum Qualifications

5 plus years of strong programming skills in C/C++

Solid understanding of computer system architecture

Experience with driver development or operating system concepts

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience

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 $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

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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

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Client-provided location(s): Cupertino, CA
Job ID: apple-200679763-0836
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-08-29T01:09:37

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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