Apple is hiring engineers to create software running on “future iOS embedded devices”

May 16, 2013 07:02 GMT  ·  By

Apple’s Devices Software Team is seeking a software engineer “for creating and maintaining internal software running on all of Apple's current and future iOS embedded devices,” according to a new job advert posted by the Cupertino giant.

On its jobs site, Apple has opened a position for “OS Software Engineer.” The description is quite generic at first glance, but its wording suggests Apple is working on a new version of iOS.



With all the iWatch rumors floating around, the dots beg to be connected. Apple is said to be working with a team of 100 engineers to release the product.

Apple needs a software engineer “with experience in writing code that exercises hardware functionality at an application level.”

“In this role, you will be an individual contributor developing embedded software solutions for the iPhone/iPod/iPad/Apple TV, creating and maintaining tools used by a variety of teams within the company, and interacting with multiple Contract Manufacturers,” the advert reads.

So far, so good. However, the ad also notes (emphasis ours), “As an iOS Software Engineer you will be responsible for creating and maintaining internal software running on all of Apple's current and future iOS embedded devices.”

As it cannot confirm any unreleased products, Apple mentions iPhone, iPod, iPad, and the Apple TV in the job advert. Like the iPod line and the Apple TV, Apple’s rumored iWatch should run its own variant of iOS.

The new recruit will have responsibilities across all aspects of the product development and test cycle. These tasks will include the following, as enumerated by Apple on its web site:

- Developing and debugging applications, protocols, frameworks, and command line utilities for internal use

- Maintaining existing apps and tools across software update cycles

- Interacting with Hardware, OS, Test, Operations and various other cross-functional teams throughout Apple

- Enabling test strategies for new components in upcoming products

- Triaging and debugging hardware and software issues on iOS devices

- Supporting hardware development builds locally and remotely

- Experience debugging OS and hardware interaction is a plus.

Candidates who really want to stand out will need to have Objective-C and Cocoa knowledge, while general qualifications include C/C++, debugging, Unix command line experience, as well as development experience in Linux and OS X.