Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), Creativity Apps – Apple – Vancouver, BC
Location: Vancouver, BC | Company: Apple
Apple’s Creativity Applications team in Vancouver, British Columbia is hiring a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to help shape the next generation of creative tools used by millions of people worldwide. If you have a background in quality assurance for AI/ML technologies, a passion for video editing, and experience testing iOS and macOS applications, this role puts you at the centre of some genuinely innovative product work.
This is a hands-on technical role where you’ll be building and executing tests, driving automation using Swift and Python, and working closely with cross-functional teams to validate cutting-edge on-device machine learning and generative AI features for creative professionals, filmmakers, and visual storytellers.
About the Role: Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
As an SDET on the Creativity Apps team, you’ll take ownership of planning, designing, writing, maintaining, and executing test cases — both manually and through automation. You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring that features are rock-solid before they reach customers, using sharp bug isolation and regression techniques to surface issues early and effectively.
This position calls for someone who can balance multiple deliverables, manage competing priorities, and communicate progress and risks clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A genuine curiosity about AI/ML technologies, creative application software (video, photo, music, productivity), and emerging testing methodologies will set you apart on this team.
Benefits and Salary
Apple offers a base pay range of $116,800 to $226,000 CAD for this role in Vancouver, with your exact pay depending on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Beyond base salary, Apple employees can participate in discretionary restricted stock unit (RSU) award programs and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), allowing you to become an Apple shareholder. The benefits package includes comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, discounts on Apple products and services, and tuition reimbursement for formal education related to your career development. This role may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and relocation assistance.
Job Details
🏢 Company: Apple
📍 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
💰 Pay: $116,800 – $226,000 CAD per year
Responsibilities
Day-to-day, this role centres on ensuring the quality and reliability of Apple’s creative applications through rigorous testing and automation. You’ll work across the full testing lifecycle — from planning through execution — while collaborating with engineers across disciplines to coordinate multi-functional test efforts.
- Plan and design comprehensive test cases for iOS/macOS creative applications, including manual and automated approaches
- Write and maintain automation using Swift and Python to improve test coverage and efficiency
- Validate new on-device ML and GenAI features within creative tools for video, photo, and music workflows
- Report bugs with thorough isolation and regression analysis to accelerate issue resolution
- Drive quality and process improvements across the team to uphold high release standards
- Communicate progress and risks clearly and systematically to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional team members to coordinate integrated testing efforts
- Stay current on AI/ML technologies, creative software, and new testing methodologies through ongoing self-education
Requirements / Skills
Apple is looking for a technically strong, curious, and collaborative engineer who brings depth in quality assurance for AI/ML products and a genuine interest in creative software. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, innovative environments and knows how to balance thoroughness with momentum.
- Minimum 3 years of industry experience in quality assurance with a focus on testing AI/ML technologies
- Minimum 3 years as a Software Engineer in Test, programming in Swift and/or Python
- Proficiency in testing iOS/macOS applications, cloud-based frameworks, and framework APIs
- Strong understanding of ML-based product lifecycles, GenAI, software development lifecycle, and QA methodologies
- Communication and project management skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts to varied audiences
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience
- Preferred: Experience developing or validating GenAI tools, writing automation for Apple platforms, or working with photo/video/cloud editing workflows
How to Apply
To apply for this position, visit the official Apple job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects your experience with Swift, Python, AI/ML testing, and iOS/macOS platforms before submitting.
Share This Opportunity
Know someone who might be interested? Share this job posting and help them join Apple in Vancouver.
Job Summary & Tips for Applying
Quick Summary & What to Highlight: This Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) role at Apple in Vancouver is perfect for candidates who excel in AI/ML quality assurance, test automation with Swift and Python, and iOS/macOS application testing. On your resume, emphasize any hands-on experience with GenAI or ML-based product testing, creative application workflows (video, photo, music), and your ability to write robust automated test suites. If you’ve previously worked in software quality assurance for consumer tech or AI products, make sure to highlight specific achievements and the scope of the systems you tested.
Resume & Application Tips: Before applying, tailor your resume to match the job description. Include keywords like SDET, Swift automation, Python testing, iOS/macOS QA, and machine learning validation that appear in the posting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “reduced regression cycle time by 40% through automation” or “wrote 200+ automated test cases for an AI feature launch”). Write a brief cover letter expressing your interest in Apple’s Creativity Apps team and any personal connection you have to video editing, creative tools, or AI-driven software. Double-check your application for spelling errors and ensure your contact information is current.
Interview Preparation: If selected for an interview, research Apple‘s approach to privacy, on-device intelligence, and its creative application ecosystem (Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Photos, GarageBand). Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your bug isolation, test strategy design, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Common questions may include scenarios about handling shifting priorities, validating complex ML features, and communicating technical risk to non-engineers. Dress appropriately for a technology industry environment, arrive 10–15 minutes early, and bring copies of your resume. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s testing philosophy, AI feature roadmap, and growth opportunities. After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours reiterating your interest in the position.