Data Systems Engineer

Sunnyvale, California, United States

• Category: Systems Engineering

Description

---

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something — you'll add something.

In SSP Data, our mission is to power the technological and design aspirations of the best products in the world through Data, while championing quality, privacy, safety, and an ethical experience. We are seeking a highly-motivated Data Systems Engineer to design and build custom data collection rigs serving a variety of core Apple technologies. You'll work at the intersection of hardware, software, and data collection operations. Your ground-up platforms will address future data needs and modalities. This role demands strong engineering fundamentals: first-principles problem solving, the ability to move from concept to working prototype, and an understanding of your final customer.

Description

A successful Data Systems Engineer will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills grounded in engineering fundamentals and hardware/software integration experience. You will build custom engineering rigs and optimize end-to-end system performance across our data infrastructure. This role requires technical depth across multiple disciplines, comfort working from first principles, and judgment about when to build custom solutions versus leveraging existing systems.

Responsibilities

Designing and developing custom hardware/software systems for data collection (e.g., mobile ground truth rigs, multi-sensor capture platforms, time synchronization systems)

Integrating sensors, synchronization systems, and custom instrumentation

Debugging and resolving end-to-end issues spanning frontend software, data collection operations, and backend integration

Partnering with hardware, software engineering, and operations teams to optimize system performance

Contributing to hardware, software, and backend architecture decisions for data collection reliability

Translating current issues and gaps into prioritized improvement roadmaps

Evaluating sensor technologies and data architectures

Documenting end-to-end systems for operational handoff and knowledge sharing

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in computer, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Data Science, or similar and 5+ years of industry experience in hardware/software integration, sensor systems, or data platforms

Strong programming skills (in Python, C++, or similar) to control hardware

Experience debugging complex systems across hardware, software, and network layers

Systems thinking ability to trace problems from sensor to database and identify root causes

Preferred Qualifications

Proven ability to work cross-functionally with hardware, software, and operations teams

Track record of taking projects from prototype to production handoff

Comfortable with ambiguity — defining problems while solving them

Experience with sensor integration/synchronization, timing systems, or custom instrumentation

Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Adaptable, with precise attention to detail and a strong work ethic

Understanding of networking fundamentals (troubleshooting packet loss, latency, reliability)

Background in computer vision, robotics, or metrology systems

Familiarity with embedded systems, thermal management, or power systems

Experience with controlled testing environments or lab instrumentation

Understanding of data quality metrics and validation frameworks

Background in data collection for ML/algorithm development

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.

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.

Company

---

Apple

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.