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Software Development Engineer in Test - Kernel Quality Engineering, Core OS

Cupertino, California, United StatesSoftware and Services

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Summary

Posted: Apr 23, 2026

Role Number:200659294-0836

The Darwin Kernel organization plays a vital role in Apple's success. We are responsible for the XNU kernel running at the heart of the operating systems deployed across all iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, Apple TV, and Vision devices. As a member of Darwin Kernel, you'll have the opportunity to qualify innovative kernel technologies that run on billions of devices worldwide. You'll be given the ownership and agency to influence the future direction of our products. As a member of the Darwin Kernel Quality Engineering team, you will have the unique opportunity to help validate kernel features that support our silicon and product roadmap. This includes kernel areas such as memory management, concurrency, scheduling, power transitions, kernel/user boundaries, CPU tracing, and more. You will also have the opportunity to develop the validation infrastructure that supports qualification. Join the Darwin Kernel Quality Engineering team and help shape the future of our iconic devices!

Description

We are seeking a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to help drive quality across core kernel and hardware technologies within the Darwin Kernel organization. In this role, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams across Apple to proactively define test strategy, develop robust automation, execute validation plans, and deliver clear, trustworthy quality signals for complex, low-level systems. The Darwin Kernel QE team owns the quality of features and projects delivered by the broader Darwin Kernel engineering organization. As an SDET, you will be responsible for investigating and triaging test failures, diagnosing kernel and infrastructure-level issues, improving test frameworks, and building automation that enables fast, reliable feedback throughout the development lifecycle. This role requires strong technical depth, excellent communication skills, and a systems-level mindset. You will work independently on ambiguous problems, influence quality decisions across teams, and help raise the overall bar for kernel validation. The ideal candidate is technically curious, detail-oriented, and motivated to make a measurable impact on the stability and reliability of Apple’s system software.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute qualification strategies for kernel features supporting both hardware and software initiatives, ensuring alignment with silicon and product roadmaps
• Partner closely with kernel development teams to understand system architecture, feature design, and subsystem interactions (e.g., memory management, cpu scheduling, power, and tracing)
• Design and implement integration, system, and end-to-end test coverage, with targeted unit testing where appropriate, using languages such as C and Python
• Build and evolve automation and validation infrastructure to enable scalable, high-signal testing across the development lifecycle
• Investigate, triage, and root cause complex test failures spanning kernel, hardware, and infrastructure layers, driving issues to resolution
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering teams to debug issues, influence design decisions, and deliver robust, scalable solutions
• Drive improvements in test architecture, coverage, and reliability to ensure fast, actionable feedback for developers
• Analyze quality data and trends to identify systemic risks, gaps in coverage, and opportunities for increased confidence in release readiness
• Communicate quality status, key risks, and strategic focus areas to engineering leadership and executive stakeholders through clear, data-driven reporting
• Operate effectively in ambiguous environments, independently prioritizing work and influencing quality outcomes across a large, multi-team organization

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven ability to independently manage QA efforts across cross-functional teams.
• Skilled at communicating quality status to stakeholders with strong project and time management skills.
• Skilled in testing methodologies, test planning, and defining validation strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills, and experience with programming languages like Python and C.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled at communicating quality status to stakeholders with strong project and time management skills.

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 $147,400 and $272,100, 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.

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

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