Senior Software Engineer -iCloud Messaging Services

Cupertino, California, United States

Software and Services

Summary

Posted: Aug 11, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number: 200615686-0836

Ever wondered how your iMessage instantly and reliably finds its way across the globe, or how an iPhone can reach Emergency Services from the middle of nowhere? That's us. The Messaging Services team builds the ultra-high-scale, critical backend services that form the communication backbone for Apple's whole ecosystem.

Our services are the silent, reliable engine behind iMessage, FaceTime calls, Emergency SOS via Satellite, HomeKit device control, and a host of other device-to-device features that our customers trust with their most meaningful moments. We operate at the scale of millions of messages per second. We thrive on solving challenges in distributed systems, low-latency networking, and novel communication protocols to connect over a billion devices, securely and privately.

Are you passionate about building foundational technologies that you and your loved ones trust with their most meaningful moments every day? Do you grow with solving complex distributed systems problems where performance, security, privacy, and reliability are paramount? If so, we want you to join our team.

Description

As an engineer on the Messaging Services team, you will design, build, and operate the services that enable Apple's critical communication features. Your role will encompass the full software development lifecycle: from ideation and architectural design to hands-on development, rigorous testing, and live service operations for a global audience.

You will be responsible for building new features, scaling for the next billion devices, and ensuring the rock-solid reliability and privacy that our customers expect. You will represent our team, leading critical projects and collaborating with partners across Apple—from iOS and hardware engineering to security and privacy—to deliver flawless new experiences. We are looking for a deeply technical, hands-on engineer who is not afraid to dive into complex problems and share their great ideas. You should have a profound sense of ownership and a personal dedication to the quality and reliability of the services you build.

This is a high-visibility role with immense opportunity. The systems you build will be an integral part of the Apple experience for years to come, and your work will help define the future of how people and their devices connect.

Responsibilities

Design, build, and operate the critical server-side components that power new communication features, taking full ownership of their architecture, quality, and reliability.

Act as the server-side technical lead for new features, partnering with iOS, hardware, and other service teams to influence and craft the end-to-end architecture.

Assume responsibility for the successful delivery of a feature’s backend, while acting as a key collaborator in the success of the overall feature across all layers of the stack.

Lead sophisticated, multi-functional projects from conception to delivery, ensuring technical alignment and flawless integration between your services and other components.

Mentor and guide engineers both within our team and across the company, helping to develop their skills and encouraging a culture of technical perfection and collaboration.

Uphold and champion our deep dedication to user experience, privacy, and security in every aspect of your work.

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of SW Development experience

Shown experience in designing, implementing, and operating high-performance, highly-available distributed services.

Validated ability to lead complex, cross-functional technical projects from conception to delivery.

Strong programming skills in a language like Java, C++, Go, or similar.

Deep understanding of computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, and concurrency.

Independent, driven, and motivated, with a profound sense of ownership

Preferred Qualifications

7 + years of SW Development Experience

Understanding and experience of the latest AI tools to improve the quality of work.

Message services development experience with Privacy and/or Security

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 $181,100 and $318,400, 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. (https://www.apple.com/careers/us/benefits.html)

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.