Apple Service Engineering (ASE)'s Compute Runtime team builds and maintains the execution platforms — containers, virtual machines, and associated infrastructure — that power Apple's services at scale. We blur the lines between containers and VMs to provide secure, performant execution environments that span from the desktop to the cloud. Our platform underpins Apple services like iCloud, iTunes, Siri, and Maps.
We are active contributors to open source, including Apple’s container and Containerization projects and the broader OCI ecosystem. We work upstream to improve the foundations that our platform is built on.
We're looking for a technical leader to drive the vision and execution of this platform. You will lead a team of talented engineers working on container runtimes, container tooling, image distribution, and VM isolation — building a cloud compute platform customized to Apple's security, privacy, and performance requirements.
Description
In this role you will lead engineers who develop, debug, and maintain container runtimes, container tooling, and virtual machine isolation platforms. You will:
- Define and execute the vision, strategy, and roadmap for Apple's cloud compute platforms.
- Set technical direction through architecture reviews and cross-team design collaboration.
- Lead day-to-day execution including sprint planning, prioritization, and retrospectives.
- Engage closely with partners and customers to drive clarity in Apple's compute needs.
- Mentor and develop engineers through regular one-on-ones, career planning, and performance feedback, fostering a culture of ownership and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with recruiting to attract and hire top compute and systems engineering talent.
Minimum Qualifications
10+ years of experience in systems, OS, or cloud infrastructure engineering. Hands-on experience with several of the following: Linux containerization, container runtimes (e.g., runc, containerd), Linux filesystems, image distribution, kernel internals, container security. Strong operating systems knowledge and experience applying it to build stable, performant, and secure execution environments. 5+ years in a technical leadership role with people management responsibilities. Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and influence technical decisions across teams. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
Experience contributing to or maintaining open source projects, particularly in the container/OCI ecosystem. Knowledge of advanced virtualization concepts including nested virtualization, experience with multiple VMMs, and NUMA optimizations. Experience working across storage, networking, and virtualization in cloud environments. Familiarity with cross-platform runtime development. Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in fast-paced environments.
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 $188,200 and $325,500, 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.
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
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
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Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.