Senior Software Engineer - Apple JDK

Selection changes the language of the page/content

Senior Software Engineer - Apple JDK

London, England, United Kingdom Software and Services

The AppleJDK team in Services is responsible for the Java runtime, and our mission is to make Java Services both fast and secure. The Java runtime is complex, with many subsystems: JIT compilers, language runtime, multiple garbage collectors, and FFM interface for native apps. The interactions with native code must do so in a memory safe way. In this role, you will work across all areas of the runtime, focusing on improving security and stability. You will drive innovations in the Java Runtime and tools. You will also ensure the application of current best practices in the Java runtime, and work with Services at Apple scale.

Description

In this role, you have the opportunity to help secure the Java virtual machine. The AppleJDK team at Apple is looking for system programmers with experience in programming languages, compilers, and virtual machines. You will be working to deliver secure services for all Apple Java services both proactively, by ensuring new features are implemented securely, and reactively, by responding to and addressing Java security work across Services. This is a high-impact, high-autonomy role at the intersection of systems programming, language runtimes, and performance engineering. Join us!

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Extensive professional experience in C, C++, and Java
• Deep expertise in one or more of the following: Static or JIT compilation, garbage collection, memory allocators, or language runtimes
• Strong assembly-level programming skills, preferably with the ARM64 (AArch64) instruction set
• Hands-on experience developing or contributing to virtual machines such as: HotSpot, GraalVM, V8, JSC, or similar.
• Excellent debugging, analytical reasoning, and written/verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to drive technical initiatives across teams and influence without authority

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of contributions to OpenJDK or other open-source runtime/compiler projects
• Experience with memory-safety techniques, fuzzing, or security hardening of native runtimes
• Familiarity with performance profiling and optimization at scale (e.g., perf, async-profiler, JFR)
• Experience designing or reviewing secure native interop (JNI, FFM / Project Panama)
• Background in mentoring engineers or leading technical working groups

At Apple, we're not all the same. And that's our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we've experienced and how we think. Because to create products that serve everyone, we believe in including everyone. Therefore, we are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally. As a registered Disability Confident employer, we will work with applicants to make any reasonable accommodations. Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal backgrounds in a manner consistent with applicable law. Learn more