Software Development Engineer in Test - Kernel Quality Engineering

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. 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. 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.