Vulnerability Researcher

Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is responsible for the security of all Apple products. Passionate about safeguarding our users, we believe that the best defense requires a great offense. When it comes to securing more than a billion devices running the world's most sophisticated operating systems, that means finding vulnerabilities first.

Can you make a difference on this scale? Join our extraordinary team of security researchers and help protect all Apple users.

Our team is dedicated to safeguarding Apple products, encompassing everything from the microarchitecture to applications like Safari, Mail, and Messages. Our responsibilities include evaluating the security of iOS and macOS (kernel and user-land), boot ROMs, firmware, and hardware. By collaborating with a diverse range of teams and vendors, your influence will be felt across Apple’s products, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.

As a team member, your primary role will involve conducting vulnerability research on Apple software, firmware, and hardware components. Analyzing and exploiting vulnerabilities is a crucial aspect of this position. This role demands individuals with robust technical skills and a genuine passion for securing systems by demonstrating their vulnerabilities.

If you resonate with these qualities, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent knowledge of the security architecture of at least one complex operating system.

Knowledge of macOS/iOS is nice-to-have, but not required.

Experience with reverse-engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, etc.) and techniques

Familiarity with tool development, using programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Swift, Objective-C

Minimum Qualifications

Proven experience in vulnerability research and binary exploitation

Excellent understanding of common vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques

Creative & effective problem-solving and analytical skills

Strong written and verbal communication 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 $139,500 and $258,100, 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.