Security Software Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Security software engineers build systems that protect applications, networks, and data from cyber threats. This specialized field qualifies for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and other work visas because it requires specific computer science or cybersecurity education plus deep technical expertise that's hard to find domestically. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Apple’s OS Security team is looking for a motivated software engineer to design, build, and deploy world-class containment and isolation mechanisms throughout our operating systems. As part of the Security Engineering and Architecture group, you will develop the foundational technologies—including compartmentalization, mandatory access control, and robust policy engines—that ensure our platforms are resilient and never just one mistake away from compromise. Our goal is for users to feel confident that our devices have their back every time they interact with an Apple product.
DESCRIPTION
In this hands-on software engineering role, you will design robust software systems and craft secure, high-performance code, collaborating across the company with everyone from our Silicon Engineering group to our Human Interface designers. We build technology deep within macOS and iOS internals, but we also lift it up through the software stack, creating ergonomic APIs that connect world-class security engineering directly to developers and users. You will have the autonomy to invest your time into the most promising areas of research and development, seeing your work scale to protect millions of people in their daily lives. Come help us push the boundaries of pragmatic, user-focused security.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement state-of-the-art isolation and compartmentalization mechanisms for iOS and macOS internals.
- Develop and maintain label-based and mandatory access systems, alongside the sophisticated policy languages and engines that enforce them.
- Build secure, usable APIs that allow both first-party and third-party developers to easily adopt our containment technologies.
- Analyze high-level frameworks and apps to ensure our security models apply pragmatically across the entire system, while operating mostly at the OS and systems programming level.
- Balance security, performance, and ease of use by breaking down ambitious, multi-year security goals into tangible, deployable steps.
- Collaborate across Apple to ensure our security technologies are not just built, but actively and correctly used by other teams to protect what matters most.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience/skills in systems programming and security.
- Strong C and low-level systems programming skills.
- Understanding of operating system internals (macOS, iOS, BSD, or Linux).
- Ability to navigate and understand code up and down the software stack (comfortable diving into kernel, low-level userland, framework, and application code).
- Familiarity with past, current, and emerging security exploits and mitigation techniques.
- Demonstrated readiness to balance concurrent priorities, manage technical debt, and deliver on tight schedules.
- Excellent partnership and communication skills to collaborate with a broad range of engineering teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Exposure to iOS and macOS (end user, administrator, and/or developer).
- Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as FreeBSD and Linux.
- Real world kernel and/or hypervisor programming experience.
- Experience designing and implementing security policy languages.
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 $126,800 and $220,900, 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.
INTRODUCTION
Apple’s OS Security team is looking for a motivated software engineer to design, build, and deploy world-class containment and isolation mechanisms throughout our operating systems. As part of the Security Engineering and Architecture group, you will develop the foundational technologies—including compartmentalization, mandatory access control, and robust policy engines—that ensure our platforms are resilient and never just one mistake away from compromise. Our goal is for users to feel confident that our devices have their back every time they interact with an Apple product.
DESCRIPTION
In this hands-on software engineering role, you will design robust software systems and craft secure, high-performance code, collaborating across the company with everyone from our Silicon Engineering group to our Human Interface designers. We build technology deep within macOS and iOS internals, but we also lift it up through the software stack, creating ergonomic APIs that connect world-class security engineering directly to developers and users. You will have the autonomy to invest your time into the most promising areas of research and development, seeing your work scale to protect millions of people in their daily lives. Come help us push the boundaries of pragmatic, user-focused security.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement state-of-the-art isolation and compartmentalization mechanisms for iOS and macOS internals.
- Develop and maintain label-based and mandatory access systems, alongside the sophisticated policy languages and engines that enforce them.
- Build secure, usable APIs that allow both first-party and third-party developers to easily adopt our containment technologies.
- Analyze high-level frameworks and apps to ensure our security models apply pragmatically across the entire system, while operating mostly at the OS and systems programming level.
- Balance security, performance, and ease of use by breaking down ambitious, multi-year security goals into tangible, deployable steps.
- Collaborate across Apple to ensure our security technologies are not just built, but actively and correctly used by other teams to protect what matters most.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience/skills in systems programming and security.
- Strong C and low-level systems programming skills.
- Understanding of operating system internals (macOS, iOS, BSD, or Linux).
- Ability to navigate and understand code up and down the software stack (comfortable diving into kernel, low-level userland, framework, and application code).
- Familiarity with past, current, and emerging security exploits and mitigation techniques.
- Demonstrated readiness to balance concurrent priorities, manage technical debt, and deliver on tight schedules.
- Excellent partnership and communication skills to collaborate with a broad range of engineering teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Exposure to iOS and macOS (end user, administrator, and/or developer).
- Involvement in open source technologies and development communities such as FreeBSD and Linux.
- Real world kernel and/or hypervisor programming experience.
- Experience designing and implementing security policy languages.
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 $126,800 and $220,900, 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.
See all 648+ Security Software Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Security Software Engineer
Highlight security certifications alongside your degree
CISSP, CISM, CEH, or SANS certifications strengthen your H-1B case by proving specialized knowledge beyond a standard computer science degree.
Document experience with compliance frameworks
SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, or HIPAA experience shows you understand regulatory requirements that create genuine business need for specialized talent.
Emphasize threat modeling and vulnerability assessment skills
These technical specialties require advanced training and experience, making a stronger case for why the role needs someone with your specific background.
Target companies with security-critical applications
Financial services, healthcare, and government contractors have stricter security requirements and more established visa sponsorship programs for cybersecurity roles.
Consider EB-2 NIW for research or advanced security work
If you've published security research, developed novel defense techniques, or work on national security applications, you might qualify for self-petitioning.
Prepare for detailed job description requirements
Security roles need specific technical duties listed in the LCA and I-129 petition to justify the specialty occupation classification under H-1B requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cybersecurity degree for H-1B sponsorship as a security software engineer?
No, but you need a bachelor's degree in a related field like computer science, software engineering, or information technology. Many successful H-1B visa petitions combine a CS degree with security certifications and specialized experience in threat detection, cryptography, or penetration testing to demonstrate the required expertise.
Which visa types work best for security software engineer roles?
H-1B is most common, with strong approval rates for security roles due to clear specialty occupation requirements. O-1 can work if you've published security research or led major incident response efforts. EB-2 NIW is possible for advanced research in cybersecurity, especially work affecting national security or critical infrastructure protection.
What makes security engineering a strong case for specialty occupation status?
The role requires specific knowledge of cryptographic protocols, threat modeling frameworks, secure coding practices, and compliance standards that aren't taught in general programming courses. Employers can easily justify why they need someone with specialized cybersecurity training rather than a general software developer.
How do security clearance requirements affect visa sponsorship?
Many high-paying security roles require clearances that only U.S. citizens can obtain, limiting opportunities. However, plenty of private sector security engineering positions at financial firms, healthcare companies, and tech companies don't require clearance and actively sponsor H-1B and other work visas.
How to find Security Software Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
Use Migrate Mate to find Security Software Engineer positions with visa sponsorship. Focus on cybersecurity firms, financial institutions, and tech companies that frequently sponsor H-1B, O-1, and TN visas for specialized security roles. These employers actively seek professionals with expertise in threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and security architecture to protect their digital infrastructure.
Can I get sponsored if I specialize in newer security areas like cloud security or DevSecOps?
Yes, these emerging specialties often have even stronger sponsorship prospects because they're in high demand with limited talent pools. Cloud security roles at AWS, Azure, or GCP customers, and DevSecOps positions integrating security into CI/CD pipelines, are particularly attractive to employers willing to sponsor visas.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Security Software Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.