Applied AI Engineer (EDA), Platform Architecture

Summary

Apple’s Platform Architecture group develops the next generation of Apple hardware, and the tools to make it possible. Our team builds high-performance verification systems that accelerate the development of Apple silicon. We aim to push the boundaries of pre-silicon validation with simulation solutions that apply and extend principles from hardware emulation.

We are seeking an engineer to develop and deploy agentic AI workflows that automate and optimize pre-silicon validation processes. In this role, you will bridge the gap between applied artificial intelligence and Electronic Design Automation (EDA), building autonomous agents that triage errors, tune simulation parameters, and drastically reduce maintenance burdens for silicon verification teams.

Description

In this role, you will focus on AI based automations, infrastructure development, and continuous experimentation at the intersection of hardware design and verification.

Responsibilities

Design and deploy autonomous AI agents to review design changes, resolve conflicts, and triage elaboration and simulation errors.
Develop AI-driven workflows to flag simulation performance and design concerns, automatically tune design parameters, and explore optimization candidates autonomously.
Apply internal and external EDA tools (e.g., Logic Equivalence Checking, wave dumps, design libraries) to automatically diagnose issues and explore design alternatives.
Build and maintain AI harnesses, scripts, and infrastructure to support continuous research and experimentation.
Conduct data-driven experimentation to optimize prompts and harnesses; measure and improve token efficiency, task completion, and hallucination rates.
Track and evaluate emerging machine learning and Large Language Model (LLM) use cases in the broader industry for application in silicon design workflows.
Occasionally travel (approximately once a year) to collaborate with development groups in the US.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
Experience in one of the following two areas: Applied AI (experience building, deploying, and maintaining LLM-based applications, agentic workflows, or advanced prompt engineering, combined with an entry-level familiarity with EDA tools or hardware verification concepts), or EDA/Silicon (experience with RTL design, simulation, or hardware emulation platforms, combined with a demonstrated track record of working in research-oriented roles applying software automation or ML to hardware problems).
Experience with scripting, infrastructure development, and software engineering (e.g., Python, C/C++).

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related AI/Hardware field.
10+ years of relevant industry experience.
Hands-on experience with Design Verification tasks requiring application of EDA tools, including Logic Equivalence Checking (LEC), linting / static analysis tools, waveform debugging, and simulation / emulation flows.
Familiarity with Verilog, SystemVerilog, or architecting HDL testbenches for functional verification.
Experience developing software tools for co-simulating designs across multiple high-performance platforms.
Comfortable exploring unfamiliar codebases, researching cutting-edge techniques, and rapidly prototyping automated solutions.
Experience applying research methods: literature review, data-driven experimentation, analyzing results.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional silicon engineering, design verification, and EDA development teams.

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, California, United States

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 $184,700 and $324,800, 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.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.