Software Design Engineer Jobs at Apple with Visa Sponsorship

Software Design Engineer roles at Apple sit at the intersection of hardware and software, requiring deep systems knowledge and the ability to ship at scale across Apple's full product stack. Apple has a consistent track record of sponsoring work visas for this function, supporting candidates across multiple visa categories from entry-level OPT through permanent residency.

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Overview

Open Jobs176+
Top Visa TypeH-1B
Work Type100% On-site
Median Salary$165K
Top LocationCupertino, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 176+ Software Design Engineer Jobs at Apple jobs

Apple
Manufacturing Design Engineer
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Apple
New 9h ago
Manufacturing Design Engineer
Apple
Cupertino, California
Specialized Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
$128,400/yr - $193,800/yr
On-Site
5+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Apple
Product Design Engineer
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Apple
Added 1d ago
Product Design Engineer
Apple
Sunnyvale, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Mechatronics Engineering
$181,100/yr - $318,400/yr
On-Site
5+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Apple
Sr. Product Design Engineer
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Apple
Added 1d ago
Sr. Product Design Engineer
Apple
Sunnyvale, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Mechatronics Engineering
$212,000/yr - $386,300/yr
On-Site
10+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Apple
System Design Engineer
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Apple
Added 1d ago
System Design Engineer
Apple
San Francisco Bay Area, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$120,300/yr - $210,100/yr
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Apple
Cellular ASIC Design Engineer
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Apple
Added 5d ago
Cellular ASIC Design Engineer
Apple
San Francisco Bay Area, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$120,300/yr - $210,100/yr
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 176+ Software Design Engineer Jobs at Apple

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Tips for Finding Software Design Engineer Jobs at Apple Jobs

Align your portfolio to Apple's silicon stack

Apple's Software Design Engineers increasingly work on custom silicon, including tools and frameworks built around the Apple Neural Engine and M-series chips. Showcasing low-level software, driver development, or performance tooling signals you're ready to contribute from day one.

Distinguish your degree field in applications

H-1B specialty occupation requires a direct link between your degree and the role. For Apple's engineering positions, a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or software engineering provides the clearest path. A general technology degree may require additional documentation.

Target Apple's recurring software engineer hiring cycles

Apple posts Software Design Engineer roles heavily in late Q1 and Q3, aligned with product development timelines. Applying during these windows improves your odds of moving quickly through the process before H-1B cap season or OPT expiration creates timing pressure.

Use Migrate Mate to filter Apple's open roles by visa type

Apple sponsors multiple visa categories for this role, but not every posting specifies which. Use Migrate Mate to search Software Design Engineer openings at Apple filtered by the visa types you're eligible for, so you're only applying where you have a clear path.

Prepare for Apple's technical interview depth before recruiter contact

Apple's Software Design Engineer interviews include systems design and low-level coding rounds that assess OS internals, memory management, and concurrency. Candidates who clear these rounds move to offer faster, which matters if you're racing against an OPT end date or the H-1B filing window.

Confirm your LCA wage tier matches your offer location

Apple has major offices in Cupertino, Austin, and Seattle, each carrying different Department of Labor prevailing wage levels. Your employer-filed Labor Condition Application must reflect the correct worksite, and mismatches between LCA location and actual work location are a common H-1B compliance issue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple sponsor H-1B visas for Software Design Engineers?

Yes, Apple sponsors H-1B visas for Software Design Engineers and has done so consistently across its hardware and software engineering teams. If you're subject to the H-1B cap, your employer must file during the annual April registration window, with employment typically starting October 1. Apple also uses premium processing in many cases to accelerate USCIS adjudication.

How do I apply for Software Design Engineer jobs at Apple?

Applications go through Apple's careers portal at jobs.apple.com. Software Design Engineer roles are often listed under hardware engineering, platform architecture, or silicon engineering depending on the team. You can also browse open roles filtered by visa sponsorship eligibility through Migrate Mate, which surfaces Apple postings specifically for candidates who need sponsorship.

Which visa types does Apple commonly sponsor for Software Design Engineer roles?

Apple sponsors H-1B and H-1B1 visas for most Software Design Engineers, along with the E-3 for Australian citizens and TN for Canadian and Mexican nationals. F-1 OPT and CPT are supported for students. For longer-term pathways, Apple files EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant petitions, which may include PERM labor certification, for engineers moving toward permanent residence.

What qualifications does Apple expect for Software Design Engineer candidates needing sponsorship?

Apple typically expects a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, electrical engineering, or a directly related field. For H-1B purposes, the degree must align specifically with the role's technical requirements. Practically, Apple's Software Design Engineer roles require proficiency in low-level systems programming, deep familiarity with Apple's development ecosystem, and demonstrated experience shipping production software at scale.

How do I time my application if my OPT or current visa status is expiring soon?

Timing is critical. If you're on F-1 OPT, apply to Apple roles at least four to five months before your OPT end date to allow time for interviews, offer, and H-1B filing. USCIS standard processing takes three to five months after the April 1 filing date. If your OPT includes a STEM extension, you have more runway, but starting early avoids gaps in work authorization.

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