Software Tools Manager - Graphics, Cartography, and AI

Apple Inc

Cupertino, CA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Apple, Application Programming Interface (API), Artificial Intelligence (AI), C++ Programming Language, Career Development, Cartography, Cisco Unity, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Customer Relations, Customer/Client Research, DirectX, Ecosystems, Establish Priorities, Graphics, Leadership, Marketing, Mentoring, Process Improvement, Product Design, Product Development, Prototyping, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Ray Tracing, Research Skills, Resource Management, Set Goals, Software Engineering, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical/Engineering Design, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX)
LOCATION
Cupertino, CA
POSTED
30+ days ago

The Maps Organization is looking for a manager to lead a team of passionate and diverse software engineers in developing and evolving rendering tools which empower cartographers, designers, production teams, and marketing stakeholders. This role sits at the exciting intersection of cutting-edge graphics and creativity-where AI and advanced rendering capabilities meet the hands of cartographers and designers to enable the creation of exceptional visual experiences across Maps and other Apple ecosystems.

In this technical managerial role, youll act as the critical bridge between innovation and application, leading a team which transforms powerful rendering engine features into intuitive, accessible tools which unlock new creative possibilities. Your work will directly impact how millions of users experience maps. You will leverage your management and technical skills to shape the future of creative workflows while pushing the boundaries of whats possible with real-time rendering technology.

Manage and mentor a team of rendering tools engineers, driving technical direction for the tools, setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and supporting career development.

Define and execute the roadmap for rendering tools serving cartographers, design teams, production staff, and marketing stakeholders.

Champion AI to enhance product development and workflows.

Partner closely with the Rendering Engine team to prototype and validate new rendering capabilities, exposing engine features through intuitive tools interfaces.

Maintain strong relationships with user communities, conducting regular research to understand pain points, gather feature requests, and prioritize improvements.

Translate diverse user needs into actionable technical requirements and feature specifications.

Act as the primary liaison between tools users and core rendering technology teams, coordinating with product management, design, and engineering leadership.

Balance competing priorities across different stakeholder groups while allocating resources effectively.

Champion tools adoption through training, support, and user advocacy.

Foster a collaborative, user-centered culture that prioritizes both technical excellence and creative empowerment.

Drive continuous improvement of tools based on user feedback and evolving workflows.

Requirements:

  • 7+ years of experience in graphics/rendering tools development
  • 3+ years managing technical teams of 3-7 engineers
  • Deep understanding of rendering pipelines and real-time graphics
  • Proven track record of shipping production tools for creative workflows
  • Strong technical background in C++, Python, or similar languages
  • Excellent communication skills with both technical and creative audiences
  • Demonstrated ability to balance technical excellence with user needs
  • Experience with game engines (e.g. Unity, Unreal etc.), DCC tools, or map rendering systems
  • Background in cartography, geospatial visualization, AI, or related field
  • Familiarity with modern rendering techniques (PBR, ray tracing, etc.)
  • Experience prototyping with rendering APIs (Metal, Vulkan, DirectX)
  • Track record of building high-performing engineering teams

About the Company

A

Apple Inc

We bring amazing people together to make amazing things happen.

We’re a diverse collection of thinkers and doers, continually reimagining what’s possible to help us all do what we love in new ways. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, as well as with services, including iTunes, the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple Pay. And the same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices — strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it.

About Apple

There’s a place here for every kind of brilliant. Everyone here is an innovator, or an innovator-to-be, no matter what your team or your role. So bring your passion, courage, and original thinking and get ready to share it, because every new product, service, or feature we invent is the result of people working together to make each others’ ideas stronger. Innovation at this level depends on people who represent the variety of the human experience and inspire us with their own fresh perspectives. Together, we’ll do amazing work that can make a difference in people’s lives. Including your own. Learn more about working at Apple.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Computer/IT Services
FOUNDED
1976
WEBSITE
https://www.apple.com/jobs